How do I treat skin exposed after peeling from bad sunburn?

[jannabme]

I spent a day at the lake and got a really bad sunburn. Please no lectures on the use of sunscreen.  It was very overcast with only about an hour of sun all day, and I wasn't thinking, even though I know cloudy days are when burns occur the worst.  I'm now a walking advertisement for the use of sunscreen on cloudy days.

That evening, I applied aloe and went to bed early.  I did have chills for about an hour, which I know is due to heat loss thru the burn.  The next two days I cared for my sunburn by alternating aloe vera, hydrocortisone cream, and cold compresses.

I am now 3 days post exposure. My forehead felt like leather and started to peel, so I peeled off the top layer of dead skin. The skin underneath is pink, but not raw, and I would like to care for it properly. I applied liquid Vitamin E oil to the freshly exposed skin and cocoa butter lotion with vitamin E to the rest of my face.

What should I do for this newly exposed skin, and how long will it likely take to heal?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Sunburn results when the amount of exposure to the sun or other ultraviolet light source exceeds the ability of the body's protective pigment, melanin, to protect the skin.

Apply cool compresses on the area and take bath with cool(not very cold) water. Do not scrub your skin or shave your skin and use a soft towel and gently pat your skin dry.Also use a sunburn Over-The-Counter remedy containing aloe vera and a light moisturizer or a dusting powder to relieve chafing.You can apply silver sulfadiazine (1% cream) on the skin except face and see if it helps.If the symptoms still persist then you should consult a dermatologist and discuss the option of dermabrasion or laser resurfacing.
I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional doubts. Warm regards.