Post: #26

I'm pretty fair skinned. If I have a moderate to bad burn, I put white vinegar on for a day or so, then follow that up with salt water (if you can get some from an ocean even better).

For lesser burns, I've had success using witch hazel.

Post: #27

In addition to the above advice, (most notably aloe and moisturizers) - take a lukewarm bath, add a few oz. of baby oil. Company and happy endings are optional. Moisturize thoroughly afterwards and don't get sunburnt like that ever again! Your skin can only take so much frying before you look like a prune.

Post: #28

The itching got really bad, but I think I found the solution. Apparently your body releases tons of histamine to deal with the damaged skin cells. It almost views them as attackers and it has an allergic reaction, causing the horrible itch (many people online call it Hell's Itch).

Taking benadryl or another antihistamine will reduce the itching tremendously. I also realized my other problem was trying to soothe the itch with cold showers. Apparently the cold water--although it will feel good on first contact-- actually constricts your pores and holds in all the histamine, amplifying the itch.

The correct remedy is to use hot (but not scalding) water to open your pores and let the histamine and dead skin cells pass through and be expunged.

So at least for the itch, it's benadryl & hot water. Aloe apparently isn't even very helpful during this stage.

Now that the itch is under control, my main problem is just the pain... My back still feels like 12 Years A Slave.

Post: #29

Got a real bad burn this past weekend. Been using a ton of aloe and pouring milk on me. Really helps with the pain so I'll stick with that.