Just Answer Just Answer

Ask Your Health Question. Health Experts Answer You ASAP
(Not a Health Question?)

Question

My lower legs and feet got sunburned at the beach on ...


Sent to Health Experts July 09, 2006 10:22 p.m.

My lower legs and feet got sunburned at the beach on Thursday. They are very red and my feet and ankles are swollen. I've been putting aloe vera w/ lidocaine on them, however, the swelling isn't getting better. Instead, it seems to be getting worse. What can I do to alleviate the swelling and should I seek medical attention? Do I run any health risks w/ having swollen feet?

Thanks!

Optional Information:
Female , Age: 31

Already Tried:
aloe vera w/ lidocaine soaking in cold water elevating feet
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status: Closed   Value: $8   
Answer
July 09, 2006 10:44 p.m. (22 minutes and 48 seconds later)
ACCEPTED Check Mark

Since its been several days that you received the burn, the damage is pretty much already done that will be done. If it happens again, you can minimize the degree of burn by applying cold water to the area(s) burned. That's why your first reaction when you burn your finger on a boiling pot is to run it under cold water. With a sunburn, your skin continues to "cook" for many hours after you are out of the sun.

No, having swollen legs won't pose any serious health threats to you other than being annoying and uncomfortable! :)

Putting the Aloe Vera gel on will help it not hurt so much especially with the lidocaine in it because that is a topical anesthetic. Also increase your water intake to help move that fluid out of the tissues and help with healing. Avoid sodas (especially diet) and high sodium foods and drinks, so basically nothing canned or pre-cooked or pre-prepared foods. Fresh or fresh frozen things so you won't retain any more water.

Remember that the more times you are sunburned, the higher your risks can be of getting skin cancer, so wearing sunblock will literally be saving your life, not just keeping you from being burned!

Good luck and I hope you feel better soon!

__________________
Please let me know if you have any other questions or need clarification. If you are satisfied with my answer, don't forget to hit the green ACCEPT button! Bonuses greatly appreciated! Thank you for your confidence!
PictureMia  -- Nurse (RN) -- 100% Positive Feedback on 76 Health Accepts
Registered Nurse with experience in Neonatal Nursing, Certified Lactation Counselor

Think you can answer this question?
 Login or  Become an Expert









DISCLAIMER: You acknowledge that any information you may obtain from individuals you contact through use of the Just Answer service comes from those individuals, not from Just Answer!, and that Just Answer is not in any way responsible for any of the information these third parties may supply. The site and services are provided "as is" with no warranty and no representations are made regarding the qualification of an Expert. Responses and comments on Just Answer! are for general information and are not intended to substitute for informed professional advice (such as medical, legal, investment or accounting) and do not establish a professional-client relationship. Just Answer! is not intended or designed to address EMERGENCY QUESTIONS which should be directed immediately by telephone or in-person to qualified professionals. Please carefully read the Terms of Service.
   Just Answer! > Online Health Advice > Finger Questions