How to Treat Sunburn

Millions of people have experience sunburn at varying degrees at least once in their lives. Of course it is better to be prepare and prevent getting sunburn but when it happens this the symptoms from sunburn can be unpleasant and uncomfortable. If the sunburn level is very severe then it might become a medical emergency. This article will show you different ways to help treat the symptoms form a sunburn

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• aloe vera
• water
• baking soda
• hydrocortisone cream
• vinegar
• Aluminium acetate
• compresses
• Aspirin
• Yogurt
• milk
• oatmeal
• cornstarch
• tea bags
• antibacterial cream
• ice packs
• Protective clothing
• anesthetic cream

1. One way to treat sunburn is to immediately place cold water or ice on tot he burnt area. This will help reduce the temperature surrounding the skin area that is affected and prevent blisters from forming. If sunburn covers a large area of the body then you should try taking a cold shower or a cold bath and add some bath oils to lubricate the skin.

2. The pain from sunburn can be a horrible experience. You can take an over the counter painkiller like aspirin to help reduce this pain. It will also help with reducing inflammation and itch caused by the burn.

3. To prevent infections and reduce redness and swelling rub on antibacterial creams.

4. When the skin is healing the dryness form the burn will cause intense itching so try rubbing on aluminium acetate containing cream or lotion.
   Try to avoid using harsh soaps and detergents on the body or areas of the skin that was exposed to the sun as this will make the symptoms worse from the harsh chemicals and drying effect from these products.

5. Oatmeal is a great way to reduce the itch and the pain form the sunburn. it will also have a soothing effect. Place a few cups of oatmeal into a cheesecloth and let it soak under running cold water and collect the liquid into a bowl. Soak compresses in the oatmeal liquid and use on the affected area of the skin that has sunburn. Repeat several times.

6. Yogurt has a soothing effect and helps to reduce the pain from the sunburn. Place yogurt into the fridge so it is cold. Then rub the cold yogurt on the sunburn areas and leave to dry. Wash off the yogurt and towel dry the skin lightly.

7. Aloe Vera is another way to help with the pain of sunburn. You can purchase aloe Vera containing creams or lotions from local drugstores or pharmacy. Alternatively you can use the aloe Vera plant and apply the juice from the plant onto the skin by breaking of the leaves.

8. It is important to keep the skin well moisturize since the sunburn causes extreme dryness and itching. Use body lotions containing palm oils and shea butter to add extra emollient and to help replenish the skin surface of its moisture.

9. A home remedy that works on some people with he sunburn is to use lettuce. Take a head of lettuce and boil in water. Then drain the liquid from the lettuce leaves and discard the leaves. Place the lettuce liquid into he fridge to cool for 20 minute. Apply onto the sunburn with cotton pads.

10. Hydrocortisone creams can also help give some relief to the intense itching form the burn. There are a variety of products out there available. Look at the product to see if it is 0.5% or 1% hydrocortisone containing cream.

11. Vinegar can help in the pain and itching from sunburn. Mix a small cup of vinegar into a bowl of cold water and rub onto the areas with the sunburn.

12. The body needs to rest to heal properly so you must try to get some sleep. This might be difficult due to the symptoms from the sunburn. Try drinking some warm milk or use relaxation methods to calm the body and mind. To prevent the skin from rubbing against the sheets and causing more pain and chafing use silk sheets or sprinkle talcum powder on tot he sheets. Avoid contact with rough materials.

13. Eat a healthy diet of fruits and vegetables and take supplements to replenish the body from the loss and also to speed up the healing process.

14. Use witch hazel lotion on the sunburn. This herb has properties which will reduce the inflammation on the skin. Use a cotton pad and soak into the witch hazel lotion and rub gently onto the skin. Or if the sunburn is extensive then you can pour some of the witch hazel into a water bath and soak in it

15. Calamine lotion has a soothing effect. Rub onto the skin. Also you can use baking soda to help find relief. Mix baking soda into the water and soak the area that has the sunburn for 15 minutes or so and let it dry on the skin without toweling.

Tips & Warnings

• Be prepared and NEVER go out into the sun without protection.
• Use sun blocker creams and lotions and make sure you buy products that contain SPF for protection against the UV light.
• Wear clothing that will reduce your skin exposure to the sun.
• Don't forget to protect the eyes. Buy sunglasses with UV protection in the lens.
• Extreme sunburn can become a medical emergency so take precautions and drink lots of water to replenish the body and prevent dehydration.
• If you are experiencing nausea, fainting spells, fever, chills, the skin is blistering in all the affected areas and intense itching you should seek medical attention and consult a medical doctor to rule out an infection or heat stroke.

Resources

• Jewell Productions TV

[sneedc]

on 5/25/2009 My daughter just camed home looking like a lobster....thanks for these helpful tips at alleviating the pain from the burn! 5*

[CCrock]

on 12/24/2007 great article. Another things that works great is putting distilled water and lavender essential oil in a spray bottle. Then you can mist/spray it all over you sunburn and you don't need to rub it in. Lavender is great from healing burns.

[Blackbear]

on 12/15/2007 Once again, great article! I have found that applying Cocoa Butter on my burn has practically turned the burn half way to tan by morning. It has to be made by QUEEN HELENE though. No other brand does it. I've tried.