How to Treat a Burn That Is Peeling?

After the soreness and tenderness of a sun burn or over-tanning starts to go away, the peeling and itching begins. Although peeling indicates the beginning of the healing process, treatment does not stop there. Continued treatment during the healing process includes shielding the skin from external elements, conditioning the new skin to add moisture and minimizing itching to prevent irritation caused by scratching. Allow the damaged skin to flake off naturally.

Things You'll Need

• Aloe vera gel or lotion
• Pain medication

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Take over-the-counter, acetaminophen-based pain medication if the burn area still causes pain or shows swelling.

• 2

  Coat the area up to 4 times daily with a layer of aloe vera gel or moisturizing lotion that contains aloe vera. This cools the sensation of heat, reduces itching, protects the area from bacteria and infections and deeply nourishes the skin with a variety of nutrients.

• 3

  Wear loose fitting clothing and sleep with the burned area facing upward to allow air to reach the skin and to avoid imposing irritating friction on the sensitive skin.

• 4

  Bathe in cool to tepid water. Moderate temperatures will help soothe while hot water can inflame the area. Pat the burned area dry instead of wiping it to keep from chafing the peeling or new skin.