By Marji Soofi

A sunburn is reddening of the skin that occurs after you are exposed to the sun or other ultraviolet light. Wearing broad spectrum sun screen of SPF 15 or higher, wearing a hat and protective clothing and avoiding the sun when its rays are at the strongest between 10am and 4pm are ways to help prevent sunburn.

There are times that with all the precautions you take you seem to still get a sunburn. Multiple sunburns increases your risk of melanoma. Here are some tips to help relieve the discomfort of sunburn.

1. When you feel slight discomfort in the sun GET OUT of the sun. Allow your body to cool down.

2. Take a cool shower and do not use soap during your shower, or go for a quick dip in the pool.

3. Make a body mask from aloe gel and cultured yogurt , apply to your body wait 10-15 minutes, then rinse off in a cool shower.

4. Increase your intake of antioxidants (all types of berries), fluids (water), and fruits like watermelon and melons.

5. Take anti-inflammatory medicine like aspirin, ibuprofen (Check with your doctor).

6. Moisturize your body with soothing, post sun lotions. Avoid petroleum jelly (Vaseline), or other oil-based products. These can block pores so that heat and sweat cannot escape, which can lead to infection. DO NOT pick at or peel away the top part of the blisters.

7. Do NOT wear tight clothing , wear loose outfits made from natural fibers (cotton) is best.