No, hot water is not good for a sunburn. It can worsen the damage.
Understanding Sunburn and Hot Water
Sunburn is essentially inflammation of the skin caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. This inflammation causes redness, pain, and sometimes blistering. Hot water can further irritate this already inflamed skin.
Why Hot Water Aggravates Sunburn
Applying hot water to a sunburn increases blood flow to the affected area. While increased blood flow is part of the body's natural healing process, excessive blood flow from hot water can exacerbate inflammation, leading to:
- Increased pain and discomfort: The heat intensifies the burning sensation.
- Potential for further damage: The already fragile sunburned skin can be more easily damaged by the heat, potentially delaying healing and increasing the risk of scarring.
- Exacerbated redness and swelling: Hot water can worsen the inflammation, leading to more pronounced redness and swelling.
What to Do Instead
Instead of hot water, opt for cool or lukewarm water. A cool compress can provide soothing relief. Avoid hot baths, showers, hot tubs, saunas, and heated pools.
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."
