Sunburn and the clothes on top
Short answer: Sunburned skin is hot and sore, and anything that fits close or rubs prolongs the discomfort. Choose loose, smooth and cool clothing. If the sunburn is severe, with blisters or fever, contact your doctor.
What the skin goes through
Sunburned skin is inflamed and gives off heat. It is also damp, because the body is trying to cool the area. Tight fabric holds in the heat and makes it worse, and even a light touch can hurt. So in the first days, clothing is about staying out of the way as much as possible.
The clothing that helps
Choose loose pieces that touch the skin no more than necessary, in a fabric that leads heat away. Bamboo viscose feels cool to the touch, which is welcome on skin that is hot and sore. Avoid tight cuffs, stiff seams and thick layers. See bamboo T-shirts for women in a loose size.
At night
Nights are often the worst, because heat builds up under the duvet and the skin finds it hard to shed it. Choose loose nightwear or nothing at all, and keep the bedroom cool. See bamboo sleepwear for women if you want something soft that does not tighten.
A sheet instead of a duvet
A thin sheet instead of a duvet gives less heat against the skin and less weight on top. Lay it loosely over you and do not let it pull tight across the sore spots. Change it if it gets damp. See bamboo sheets if you want a soft layer to lie under while the skin is sore.
If you go out again
If you are going back out in the sun, cover the skin. Loose fabric protects without rubbing, and that is better than giving burned skin more sun. Clothing is not a guarantee, so we do not promise any particular level of sun protection. Seek shade and let the skin rest until the worst has passed.
Cooling that soothes
Lukewarm to cool water over twenty minutes soothes well. Let a wet cloth rest on the skin instead of rubbing, and pat dry gently with a soft towel afterwards. Wait with clothing until the skin is dry and cooling down, so you do not lay fabric on damp, warm skin.
How long the skin stays sore
For most people the skin is sore for two to four days, and then the peeling comes. Let the skin flake by itself instead of picking at it. Clothing should still be loose and smooth, because the new skin is sensitive and friction can feel sharp.
Washing and care
Wash clothes without perfume and rinse an extra time so no detergent residue stays in the fabric to irritate sensitive skin. Skip fabric softener for the first days. Change into clean clothes when you have sweated, because damp against sunburned skin can make it sorer. Follow the care label.
When to contact a doctor
Most sunburns are mild, but a severe one may need medical help. If you have blisters, fever, chills, dizziness or a lot of pain, contact your doctor or an out-of-hours service. We cannot diagnose anything, and clothing only makes things more comfortable. It does not replace care and caution in the sun.
Frequently asked questions
Should you cover the skin
Yes, if you are going back out. Loose fabric protects without rubbing. Clothing is not a guarantee against more damage though, so seek shade and let the skin rest until it is no longer hot and sore.
How long is the skin sore
For most people two to four days. The peeling comes after. If you are unsure, or the sunburn is severe with blisters or fever, contact your doctor, and keep the skin covered with loose clothing until then.
Do cold cloths help
Yes, lukewarm to cool water over twenty minutes soothes well. Let a wet cloth rest on the skin instead of rubbing, and pat dry gently afterwards. Put on loose clothing only once the skin is dry.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
