A sunburn is a skin response to overexposure to the sun. The following symptoms and signs will tell you that you are sunburned: - Redness of the skin - Swelling - Painful sensations - Burning sensation - Itching ## First aid Cool the burned area for 10–15 minutes under cool water/shower. A cold compress soaked in clean, cold water may also be applied. If blisters appear, a sterile gauze bandage should be applied. ===The blisters should not be popped. If the skin is red but does not hurt or burn, it is not necessary to moist it. The main thing is to get out of the sun, continue to use creams with SPF protection, drink more water, and take aspirin for pain relief. ## Should I use home remedies? Home remedies should be treated with caution, sometimes they can cause damage to the skin. Some common home remedies include soaking in an oatmeal bath, adding apple cider vinegar to the bath, and applying aloe vera to the affected areas of the skin. Some also try brewing chamomile tea, letting it cool, and then dipping in a washcloth and putting it on the affected area. ## Optimal protection It's always easier to prevent a sunburn than to treat it. Planning can help you avoid it in the first place. __SPF protection__. Using sunscreens is the primary means of preventing burns. These products create a protective layer on the skin and prevent excessive penetration of ultraviolet rays into the skin. Remember to apply the product every two hours — almost a palm-full of cream for every application. Be sure to re-apply the cream after swimming. __Tanning time__. The optimal times of day for exposure to the sun are early in the morning from 10–11 a.m., and in the evening after 4 pm. During these times there is less active UV radiation, which reduces the chances of sunburn.