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Home › Articles › Health and Physical Changes › When the Sun Burns

When the Sun Burns

Risks, Prevention and Treatment of Sunburn During Pregnancy

By Lisa A. Goldstein

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For extra sun protection, Dr. Welch has a great suggestion that involves a UV filter that you can add to your clothes in the laundry. "Made by Rit, SunGuard laundry treatment is a product you add to the wash cycle, does not alter the appearance of fabric in any way and can increase the SPF protection of a T-shirt from a SPF of about 4 to SPF 30," Dr. Welch says.

Treating Sunburn

If a sunburn occurs, it can be soothed with most over-the-counter remedies, Dr. Aagaard-Tillery says. These include aloe vera gel, cool compresses, oatmeal baths and soothing moisturizing lotions. Lidocaine sprays carry some risk and should be used under the guidance of a health care provider, she says.

Dr. Welch recommends putting aloe vera gel in the refrigerator, since the cooling sensation can provide some relief. Moisturizing frequently will help the dry peeling areas from the sunburn recover quickly. Since some non-pregnant patients receive some relief from anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, she suggests consulting with your doctor before taking any oral medications.

"While there are some positive and important benefits to sun exposure, including synthesis of vitamin D in the skin, participating in fun summertime activities and promoting healthy outdoor living, doing so in moderation is ideal," Dr. Aagaard-Tillery says.

Take advantage of your pregnant state, recommends Dr. Brooke Jackson, founder of the Skin Wellness Center of Chicago, Ill. "Go with your natural glow, not the glow from a sunburn," she says.

Safe Ingredients

When sun exposure is unavoidable, the use of sunscreen is the best additional defense, says Dr. Robert Greene, medical director at Sher Institute for Reproductive Medicine in Sacramento, Calif., who recommends using the cosmetic safety database provided by the Environmental Working Group (www.cosmeticsdatabase.com). The database rates products according to the relative safety of their contents.


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