Your query is not very clear but it's quite obvious that you've suffered sunburn. I would assume that the hot or cold query is with regard to hot or cold compresses or with regard to showers, baths and soaks. Sunburn is particularly common and problematic in the summer months when we spend more time outdoors, and tanning on the beaches. Most of us tend to forget how delicate our skin is, and how damaging over exposure to the sun's ultraviolet radiation can be.
Sunburn is at the end of the day, just that – a burn. It's a burn caused by exposure to UV radiation, and over exposure poses the threat of varying degrees of sunburn or sunstroke. It can also cause hyperpigmentation and serious conditions like skin cancer. Preventive measures are quite effective and easy to follow, but most of us tend to take our skin and health in general for granted. Now that you've already suffered sunburn it may seem that there is not much that precautions can do, but that's where you're wrong. Protecting yourself against the sun's radiation will help minimize and prevent further damage to your already damaged skin. Furthermore it's important that you don't repeat the mistake you've already made in the future.
With regard to the hot or cold dilemma, it differs depending on the situation. In the context of compresses, a cold compress would be recommended. The application of hot and cold compresses depends on the situation at hand and it is a general rule here to apply a cold compress for conditions stemming from heat like sunburn, while hot compresses are used for muscle pains and stiffness. Showers will depend on when you got the burn. In the aftermath of sunburn you would need relief from the heat and from the burning or painful sensation of inflamed skin. Under such circumstances a cool shower will provide the much needed relief while a hot shower may only serve to exacerbate your pain. After the initial effects have passed though you can have a warm shower as warmth does help to improve circulation, thereby hastening the recovery process. Make it a point to moisturize your skin later however as warm water can have a drying effect.
In addition to the use of compresses and showers you can also use aromatherapy baths, with essential oils like lavender or chamomile added in. This will provide great relief and also eliminate the risk of infection. Sunburn remedies like soaks of apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, aloe vera gel, or cucumber juice are among the many other natural remedies that can be used to treat sunburn.
answered by S D