BRITS have been warned against a sunburn ‘hack’ that makes pain worse and damages the skin.
A dermatologist has outlawed one particular product many people mistakenly use thinking it could help.
GettyThe ‘hack’ will make the affected area itchier, as well as increase the severity of pain[/caption]
While it may be hydrating for your lips, Vaseline will make sunburn much worse, according to the British Skin Foundation.
The petroleum jelly acts as a barrier between your skin and the air, which traps heat directly on the burn.
This will make the affected area itchier, as well as increase the severity of pain.
Experts from the British Skin Foundation told the Mirror: “Be wary of using creams or lotions that contain petroleum, benzocaine, or lidocaine.
“These can either trap heat in the skin or cause local skin irritation.”
A better way to treat the sun damage is by using a product many Brits already have in the cupboard.
Oats and oatmeal are great natural remedies for reducing inflammation and often used for a variety of skin conditions.
Run a cool bath with lukewarm or cold water and add a cup of oats to help sooth the burns.
Dr Sheth said: “Oats – and oatmeal – have been well known to reduce inflammation, and they’re in some commercial brands to treat things like eczema, because of its anti-inflammatory effects.”
Other natural ingredients that could help include yoghurt and tea.
Although it is not clear why it works, the dairy product has a higher pH level, which in turn reduces heat.
A cold teabag, in particular black tea, is also thought to help draw heat out of the skin.
Another tip, soaking a cold compress in milk can help the skin recover.
It is also believed cucumbers have natural antioxidant properties to cool burns down.
You can either slice it and apply it directly to your skin or mash it up and use it like a cream.
Meanwhile, there are a variety of lotions and painkillers that help.
This comes as most of the UK was issued a health warning amid soaring temperatures this weekend.
The yellow alert covers the East Midlands, West Midlands, South East, South West, East of England, London, Yorkshire and The Humber, the UK Health Security Agency and Met Office said.
It came into force at 9am on June 23 – when temperatures are expected to climb to 30C – and expires at the same time on June 26.
A UKHSA spokesperson said: “Yellow alerts mean that any impacts include the increased use of health care services by vulnerable populations.
“They also include an increase in risk to health for individuals over the age of 65 or those with pre-existing health conditions, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.”
Ways to keep safe in the hot weather
Check on family, friends and neighbours who may be at higher risk of becoming unwell, and if you are at higher risk, ask them to do the same for you
Know the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and what to do if you or someone else has them
Keep out of the sun at the hottest time of the day, between 11am and 3pm
If you are going to do a physical activity (for example exercise or walking the dog), plan to do these during times of the day when it is cooler such as the morning or evening
Keep your home cool by closing windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun
If you do go outside, cover up with suitable clothing such as an appropriate hat and sunglasses, seek shade and apply sunscreen regularly
Drink plenty of fluids and limit your alcohol intake