How to Care for Sunburns

Sunburns...there easy to get, and hard to live with. This summer a lot us will be going to the beach, or swimming in an outdoor pool. Kids will be playing in sprinklers at grandma's house. Here is a list of some of your grandma's wisdom on sunburns. These home remedy tricks can drastically reduce your amount of suffering. Also, they can improve your skin's recovery and lessen peeling.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Having fair skin myself, I know the first rule to sunburn management is...don't get one. Pay special attention when it's an overcast day, playing near or in water, or your scalp is exposed. Who hasn't put sunscreen everywhere, and then forgot their hairline, or that little spot when your hat is on backwards? Always keep some sunscreen with you. An ounce of prevention, in this case sunscreen, is worth a pound of cure.

2. 
    
   Aloe Vera Plant

   One of my favorite home treatments is Aloe Vera lotion. You can find it at local grocery store, or drug store. Grandma always has some. Aloe immediately alleviates the burn, and lessens the amount you will peel. I put it on at least twice a day for about a week following a sunburn.

3. 
    
   Vinegar and Baking Soda

   Two other great skin care remedies are in your kitchen. Baking soda and vinegar. Vinegar will smell awful, but you won't care when you feel the burn instantly go away. It is fairly long lasting and cheap. Baking Soda is another cooling and healing remedy that works great. Both of these are cheap and probably right in your kitchen cabinet.

4. 
    
   Cold Bath

   One last trick I often use? A nice cold bath. Nothing works quite as quickly as cold water right on the burn. It only works while your in, but it can get you through the initial worst part. I often take the cold bath first, then put on aloe, baking soda, or vinegar when I get out.

Tips & Warnings

• Motrin, Tylenol, or other pain relievers also work well for long term pain relief. Consult the medication for usage restrictions.
• For severe burns always notify your physician. These can get infected.

Resources

• www.mothernature.com

[tech411]

on 5/6/2009 For sure. My family has basal cell on both sides. I can remember my dad had only one part of his right ear because of that stuff. Not good. Thanks!