Sunburn occurs when the skin is overexposed to the sun or ultra violet light. Other sources of ultra violet rays like welding arcs and tanning lamps can also cause sunburn. Melanin in our skin protects the skin from harmful ultra violet rays. But when the amount of exposure to ultra violet rays exceeds the ability of melanin to protect the skin, it results in sunburn.
As we all know, sunburn is better prevented than treated. But, let’s face it, sunburn happens. The short-term consequence is inflammation of the skin. The long-term consequences include premature aging, wrinkling and even melanoma.
Generally symptoms of sunburn include red, tender skin which is warm to the touch. After some hours or days blisters may develop on the skin. All this may be followed by peeling of the skin after a few days. Some other symptoms of sunburn are fever, chill, nausea, vomiting, rash and skin loss.
Certain factors like consumption of birth control pills and antibacterial agents used in soaps make our skin more prone to sunburn.
There are lots of remedies for sunburned skin. One of the first things you want to do is re-hydrate. Drink plenty of water to replace lost water and replenish your cells. Here are some additional home remedies for sunburn:
• Apply apple cider vinegar on the affected skin (vinegar will stop inflammation and pain) using a cotton ball
• Rub mustard oil on the affected skin and allow to it dry, this will take out the heat from the skin
• Before taking a bath, add some baking powder to the bath water, this will help to soothe the skin.
• Apply lavender oil or peppermint oil on the skin
• Take an herbal bath; put few drops of chamomile and lavender essential oils in bath water
• Grate some potatoes and apply them on the sunburn. Starch from the potatoes will soothe the burn
• Avoid products made from benzocaine, lidocaine and petroleum jelly
• Do not use harsh soaps to wash sunburn
Antioxidants like vitamin E and vitamin C are very helpful in curing sunburn, so try to include some of each of these nutrients in your diet. Tomato is a good antioxidant. Eat good quality protein foods like meat, eggs, fish, and chicken and so on. Eat lots of fruits. They will supply essential vitamins and minerals.
Here are some additional home remedies for sunburn:
Soothing vitamin E capsules: simply break open some vitamin E capsules, which can be purchased at the drug store, pharmacy or grocery store and apply the oil directly to the skin. You can also purchase pure vitamin E oil and gently apply it to the skin. Cotton balls are a great way to apply the oil. Gently dab on the oil and allow it to absorb - do not rub it in as it may aggravate the skin.
Black tea compress: brew some black tea and allow it cool. Soak a clean cotton cloth in the black tea and refrigerate or freeze. Apply the cold compress to the affected areas.
Aloe vera gel: Break open some aloe vera leaves and apply the gel to the skin or use organic aloe vera gel from the grocery store. Aloe vera contains enzymes that are extremely effective in helping to soothe and heal sunburns.
Cucumber compress: Take a clean cucumber peel it and grate it up into small pieces. Once you have enough put the pieces on some cheese cloth and strain out the juice. Soak a clean cotton cloth in the cucumber juice and refrigerate or freeze. Apply the cold compress to the affected areas.
Cool bath: There is nothing as soothing as a cool bath. Fill the tub with cool water and simply soak for 15-20 minutes.
Also, please seek medical care if you experience a fever of 102 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, nausea, vomiting, rapid pulse, no urination, dizziness, severe pain or blistering.
Sources:
www.webmd.com
www.health911.com
MC Ortega is the former publicist for the late Walter Payton, Coca-Cola and Dunkin’ Donuts. Ortega is a senior communications and messaging executive specializing in media relations, social media, program development and crisis communications. Also, Ortega is an avid traveler and international shopper. Ortega resides with her partner, Craig, dog, Fionne and extensive shoe collection. Ortega also enjoys jewelry design/production and flamenco dancing.