having suffered multiple 2nd-degree sunburns in my very-pale life, I have learned that one of the best treatments to make a sunburn stop, well, burning, is a towel soaked in very cold water (wrung out, naturally - no sense dripping all over the house) and draped over the burned parts. It feels very good and helps pull the heat out of the skin.
Do *not* apply ointments or heavy creams - light lotion is okay, but go easy - as they will keep the heat in, and you want to get the heat out of the burn. Cool and moist is the secret.
As for evening out the color? In my experience it's hopeless - I just live with it and remind people of my very northern heritage (and the fact I've lived in Seattle my entire life). I don't come from places that are accustomed to sun. You could put on your best holier-than-thou face and tell people what a wonderful person you are for standing out in the sun for renewable energy initiatives - look at the self-sacrifice! *grin*
sunburn first-aid and such
Do *not* apply ointments or heavy creams - light lotion is okay, but go easy - as they will keep the heat in, and you want to get the heat out of the burn. Cool and moist is the secret.
As for evening out the color? In my experience it's hopeless - I just live with it and remind people of my very northern heritage (and the fact I've lived in Seattle my entire life). I don't come from places that are accustomed to sun. You could put on your best holier-than-thou face and tell people what a wonderful person you are for standing out in the sun for renewable energy initiatives - look at the self-sacrifice! *grin*
happy healing,
:)
Monica