 redness and discomfort. What about using ice on that burn? Ice is a common remedy to reach for, but experts say applying it directly to your injured skin can actually cause more harm than good. And some people turn to products containing benzocaine, a topical anesthetic, but it's best to avoid trying this on a sunburn. Dermatologist Lindsay Zubritsky says this can further irritate the skin or cause an allergic reaction, which is the last thing you want to gamble with when seeking relief from already irritated and painful skin.