The “Saharan heatwave” caused temperatures in the UK to soar up to 36C this week.
But as many of us know, Brits aren’t always the best at applying suncream correctly.
Getting sun burn can be painful, but we’ve all caught the sun a touch on our shoulders or noses.
But, what if you scorch yourself in an altogether more sensitive zone?
If you hate tan lines, you may sunbathe nude in your garden or embrace your natural side in the hot tub.
As applying an SPF to the genitals isn’t exactly… common, people can burn their private parts.
So, what do you do if you’ve burned your intimate areas?
See a doctor
Well, firstly, if it’s bad enough you may need to ride out the embarrassment and head to see your doctor.
Dr. John Griffin, from the Kelsey Seybold Clinic, told Click 2 Houston: “If a sunburn is on a sensitive part of your body, so something that is normally covered by or should be covered by clothing, if you have a severe burn in those areas, professional burn care is recommended.
“So genitals or breast, for example.”
Soothe with aloe
If it’s not as bad as that then you could slather it in aloe vera to soothe the burn.
Dr Sarah Walsh, who works as a gynaecologist and is also the founder of Hanx condoms, told the Metro: “Avoid anything perfumed or heavy with chemicals, and don’t use oils or any greasy heavy creams as this won’t help matters.
“Natural cooling creams or emollients are good.
“Moisturise with these regularly, such as aloe vera gels or Aveeno creams.”
Take painkillers
New York City-based dermatologist, Daniel Belkin, added in a comment to The Healthy: “You also should take a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug.”
So, ibuprofen works.
It should help with the pain and the inflammation too.
Avoid sex
You should also definitely avoid having sex until you’re healed.
Having sex with burned privates is never going to go well.
So, try to abstain until you’re healed as it could cause soreness and worsen the burn.
Water not ice
Do not try to soothe your burn with a bag of frozen peas or an ice pack.
Super cold compresses can burn the sensitive skin of your genitals.
Plus, it might numb them – and when the pain starts to come back it will be way, way worse.
If you’re in a lot of pain, the NHS recommends standing in a cold shower.
Re-hydrate
Also – remember to drink lots of water and stay hydrated.
Dr Welsh said: “You can lose a lot of fluid through burns, and severe sunburn can cause this to happen, especially in delicate areas such as the genitals.”
Cover the skin
Put it away!
The NHS advises covering sunburnt areas until the skin has fully recovered.
We would also suggest wearing something over your private areas when sunbathing or swimming on sunny days.
Do not try to pop any blisters, peel any skin or scratch the sore area.
This increases the risk on an infection developing.
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