How to Treat Sunburn?
Almost all of us have experienced it, the mistake of not applying sunscreen. Sunburn is a condition where the skin becomes red and sometimes swollen as well, due to overexposure to the ultraviolet rays. The dilated blood vessels start to lose moisture in the extreme sun, and the skin starts getting thick and dry, during this, the skin cells keep producing melanin to stop the sun from causing further damage. Which eventually results in a discolored patchy skin that’s mostly irritated, dry and peeling. The peeling of the skin is a natural mechanism of the body to get rid of dull and dead skin. And this post helps you with Best Home Remedies for Sunburn.
Read : Summer protection tips for Toddlers and Children
Is it something serious?
The symptoms can vary as per the severity, and the redness can take a peak during 12-24 hours, even causing blisters. Minor sunburns are usually self-treatable, but if you observe any of the following symptoms, then you should see a doctor.
Symptoms of severe sunburn:
- Fever and chills
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness or weakness
Under severe circumstances, the sunburn can lead to permanent skin damage as well, so consult a dermatologist if necessary. Meanwhile, here are some practical home remedies that surely do work for treating that Sunburn.
10 Best home remedies for sunburn:
Here are our top 10 picks to get rid of that discoloration and itchiness,
Ice pack:
Never apply the ice directly on the irritated skin; this can cause frostbite. Wrap some ice in a towel and gently press it against the damaged area.
Aloe Vera:
Aloe vera is a rich source of anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. The gel contains natural salicylic and sulfur, which can reduce redness and help with reducing scarring. Take a leaf, split it open and scoop the gel, apply it on the affected part, and rinse with water after 15-20 minutes, repeat it twice a day to see visible changes.
Honey:
The sticky sweet thing has been used as a topical moisturizer for ages, it helps to retain moisture, speed up healing, calm the rashes and redness and works well with minimizing pain as well. Wash it after 10-15 minutes and pat dry.
Black tea:
A rich source of tannic acid, a freshly brewed cup of black tea can calm the burnt skin. Just dab a cotton pad into the tea and wipe it over the charred skin, you can even add a few crushed mint leaves to the tea to enhance its soothing properties. It is said to restore the natural pH level of the skin and helps to make it hydrated again.
Yogurt:
Plain yogurt is a rich source of lactic acid. If applied as a thick mask, it can alleviate pain and reduce redness, make the skin cool, and helps heal faster. Just mix 2 spoonfuls of honey with a tablespoon of turmeric to make it work even better, turmeric contains antibacterial properties and will help reduce inflammation as well.
Soaked oats:
A cup of oats soaked for 20 minutes makes a great mask. This fibrous food is rich in soothing properties and can help you to prevent scratching your skin, again and again. Apply a thick layer on your skin for a good 30 minutes, gently scrub and rinse with water. Apply lavender oil afterward for a cooling effect.
Apple cider vinegar for sunburn:
You can naturally treat sunburns with Apple cider vinegar, the unfiltered and fermented apple juice can save your skin. Packed with anti-inflammatory properties, it helps restore the skin’s natural pH levels and wash off the microbial toxins as well. You can mix a teaspoon with a cup of water and apply the solution all over the affected part with a cotton pad. Please don’t use it in its undiluted form or it may burn, apply aloe vera gel on the skin after rinsing the irritated part with water.
Baking soda:
It is a fantastic ingredient with chemical properties that can soothe the skin, it also helps to reduce redness and itchiness. Mix a tablespoon of baking soda in a cup of water and apply this on the burnt skin with a cotton pad, repeat it several times a day.
Cucumber:
It has natural cooling agents that can bring serious comfort to your damaged skin, rub some chilled slices over your burnt part or put the juice on the skin, it can soothe the redness and itchiness on the skin.
Potatoes:
Potassium and starch are the key ingredients here, can work wonders to soothe the skin as well as take the pain away. Just rub a fresh slice over the affected area for instant relief.
These Home remedies for Sunburn are safe to be tried by anyone with any skin, in case of irritation, discontinue immediately; if the symptoms don’t calm within a few weeks, medical assistance frostbite.
Author Bio:
Emylee is a wellness lifestyle writer. She loves sharing her thoughts and personal experiences related to natural remedies, yoga, and fitness through her writing. She currently writes for How To Cure. She can connect with others experiencing health concerns and help them through their recovery journeys through natural remedies.