Treating Sunburn During Your Waterside Holiday

On holiday at a waterside campsite, sunburn can catch you off guard. The beach or the lake can sometimes turn your skin red within just a few hours. To treat sunburn, a few simple steps are all it takes to soothe the skin. Your waterside holiday isn’t over though: cool, hydrate, protect and watch for warning signs.

Follow this practical guide to soothe your skin quickly and make the most of the rest of your stay!

Key takeaways

• Start by cooling the skin with cold water or damp compresses.
• An after-sun cream or aloe vera gel deeply hydrates burnt tissue.
• Drinking plenty of water helps make up for the internal dehydration caused by the burn.
• The weakened area needs to be protected from the sun until it has fully healed.
• Medical advice is essential if you have a fever, widespread blistering or chills.

What to do in the minutes right after getting sunburnt

As soon as the skin turns red, cooling it down is the top priority. Get out of the sun immediately and find somewhere shaded or air-conditioned. Run the burnt area under cool (not icy) water for at least 15 minutes. This step slows the burn’s progression and limits inflammation. Then apply damp compresses if direct contact with running water becomes uncomfortable.

Absolutely avoid placing ice cubes directly on the skin, as this would make the injury worse. Also remove any tight or wet clothing that traps heat. Drink a large glass of water to counter dehydration, followed by two more within the hour. Your skin needs plenty of internal hydration after prolonged sun exposure!

Effective natural remedies to soothe the skin

Once you’ve cooled down, certain natural ingredients can speed up healing. Here are the most trusted ones to apply to clean, dry skin:

• Pure aloe vera gel soothes inflammation and provides lasting hydration for burnt tissue.
• A few drops of calendula oil calm redness thanks to its healing properties.
• Some fresh plain yoghurt, applied for 10 minutes, cools the area and reduces the burning sensation.
• A grated cucumber poultice provides instant relief thanks to its hydrating power.
• A thin layer of raw honey helps repair damaged skin.

Choose quality products, free from added fragrance or alcohol. Reserve these applications for first-degree burns, without blistering. Repeat the treatment 2 to 3 times a day for 2 to 3 days for the best results.

Our holidaymaker tip: after a day of paddleboarding or swimming, keep a tube of aloe vera gel in the fridge. Applied cold to slightly pink skin, it provides instant relief and stops the burn from taking hold.

When should you see a doctor after sunburn?

Ordinary sunburn heals on its own within 4 to 7 days. But certain signs call for prompt medical attention. See a doctor or visit a pharmacy if you notice:

• Blistering covering more than 10% of the body’s surface.
• A fever above 38°C, accompanied by prolonged chills.
• Intense headaches, nausea or dizziness.
• Significant burns on the face, hands or genital area.
• Signs of infection, such as pus, widespread redness or increasing pain.

Children, older people and very fair skin call for extra vigilance. Extensive second-degree burns always require medical advice. Don’t wait for the situation to worsen. Medical advice will reassure you and point you towards the right treatment!

How to prevent sunburn on a waterside holiday

Prevention remains your skin’s best friend! To set off on your waterside holiday with peace of mind, a few simple rules apply:

• Apply SPF 50 sun cream at least 20 minutes before sun exposure.
• Reapply every 2 hours and after every swim.
• Choose a water-resistant formula suited to your skin type.
• Also wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and a UV-protective T-shirt for long swims.
• Avoid sun exposure between 12pm and 4pm, when UV rays are at their strongest.
• Favour activities in the morning or late afternoon.
• Choose a campsite with shaded areas: seaside campsites in the Landes often guarantee shaded spots that are ideal for younger children to take a break.

Looking forward to enjoying your next waterside holiday with total peace of mind? Browse our range of campsites near the sea, a lake or a river. You’ll find shaded areas and services suited to families. Book your getaway and make the most of the sun, with soothed skin!

FAQ – Treating Sunburn

How can you quickly calm sunburn?

To quickly calm sunburn, cool the skin under cool water for 15 minutes. Then apply an aloe vera gel or a hydrating after-sun cream. Drink plenty of water, cover the area, and avoid any further sun exposure. This combination soothes redness and limits skin dehydration within a few hours.

Which natural remedy should you choose for sunburn?

For sunburn, pure aloe vera gel remains the most effective natural remedy. It provides long-lasting hydration and soothes inflamed tissue. Cold plain yoghurt, grated cucumber or calendula oil are excellent additions to the routine. These ingredients are best suited to mild burns, without blistering.

Can you tan after getting sunburnt?

Yes, but you need to wait until you’ve fully healed before any further sun exposure. Burnt skin remains fragile for 7 to 10 days. Going back out in the sun too soon slows healing and increases the risk of lasting marks. Favour short sessions and SPF 50 cream as you gradually build up your exposure again.

How long does sunburn last?

Typical sunburn lasts between 3 and 7 days depending on severity. Redness fades after 48 hours, after which the skin peels for several days. More serious cases, with blistering, may take 10 to 14 days to heal completely. Regular hydration speeds up the healing process.