Sunburn
Sunburn occurs when the skin is overexposed to the UV rays of sunlight. UV rays are also present in welding arcs and tanning lamps. Further complications can lead to cancer, disability, or even death. Fair-skinned people are more prone to getting sunburn.
Symptoms
Symptoms generally take a long while to appear. When it appears, the skin becomes warm, tender and reddish in color. Blisters may develop after a few hours or days follow by skin peeling.
Other skin conditions associated with sunburn are chills, fever, nausea, flu, rashes, and vomiting.
Causes
Sunburn occurs when there is an abundant of UV ray exposure than that of melanin that protects the skin from the harmful rays of the skin.
Outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, swimming, and working outdoors can increase the chances of getting sunburns.
Consumption of birth-control pills and anti-bacterial agents in soaps can make the skin more sensitive to sunburn.
Home Remedies
Apply aloe vera or vinegar on the skin to stop the pain and inflammation.
Avoid using products that contain benzocaine, lidocaine and petroleum jelly.
Mustard oil: To cool down the burned skin, rub mustard oil over the affected area. Leave to air dry.
Cucumber: Rub fresh cucumber slices over the burned skin.
Baking powder: Mix some baking powder to bath water to soothe burned skin.
Essential oils: Applying lavender or peppermint oil will also help relieve burned skin.
Apple cider vinegar: Apply apple cider vinegar on the affected skin using a cotton gauze or cotton ball.
Herbal bath: Place a few drops of chamomile and lavender essential oils in a tub full of water.
Ice compress: Applying an ice compress on the affected area can help relieve inflammation.
Potato: Apply grated potatoes on the burned skin. The starch content from the potatoes will soothe the inflammation.
Vitamins: Vitamin C and E are good antioxidants that can help cure sunburn. Tomatoes are good source of antioxidants.
Further Suggestion
Eat foods that are rich in high quality protein such as eggs, fishes, chickens, meats, and many more.
Fruits contain plenty of essential vitamins and minerals that valuable in curing sunburn.
Drink plenty of fluids to keep the body well hydrated.
Apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or above before going out.
Wear sunglasses when going outside as often as you can.
Avoid using soaps with harsh ingredients when washing burned skin.
This article has some great tips for natural sunburn remedies, it was very helpful!
Comment by Chris — May 21, 2008 @ 4:05 pm
I have this saved for the future. my grandson thanks and so do I. his burn is pretty bad but the vinegar really works. we used the white and the last was apple cidar vinegar.
Comment by Phyllis — August 15, 2008 @ 7:42 am
an oatmeal bath works good too. use cheesecloth so the oatmeal doesnt go down your tub drain.
Comment by danielle — March 20, 2009 @ 10:25 pm