No, hot water is not good for a sunburn; it's actually harmful.
Why Hot Water Aggravates Sunburns
Hot water can worsen a sunburn significantly. The intense heat further irritates already inflamed and sensitive skin. This can lead to increased pain, redness, and potentially even more damage to the skin. Think of it like this: your sunburn is already experiencing inflammation; hot water adds insult to injury, exacerbating the existing problem.
- Increased Pain: Hot water intensifies the burning sensation associated with a sunburn.
- Further Inflammation: The heat increases inflammation, potentially delaying healing.
- Potential for Damage: It can cause further damage to already compromised skin cells.
The provided reference explicitly states: "Don't take a hot bath or shower—this includes hot tubs, saunas and heated pools. Hot bath water can aggravate your inflamed skin and possibly cause more damage." This directly supports the negative impact of hot water on sunburned skin.
Instead of hot water, opt for cool or lukewarm showers or baths. A cool compress can also provide soothing relief.
