Sunburn Relief

Sunburn is a skin condition, developed after prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation of the sun. A slight exposure to UV rays causes suntan, resulting in golden bronze skin color, which many of us adore. The severity of sunburn depends upon the sensitivity of the skin and time of exposure. Some of the noticeable signs and symptoms of sunburn are reddish colored skin, itching, skin peeling, rash, fluid-filled blisters, pain, dizziness and weakness.

Mild cases of sunburn resolve on their own within a few days. However, severe sunburn increases the risk for various skin conditions, such as very dry skin, wrinkles, spots, discoloration and at times, skin cancer. So, it is imperative to treat painful sunburn cases as soon as possible. You can follow effective home remedies to get sunburn relief before trying out therapeutic intervention.

Natural Ways to Get Sunburn Relief

Though, it takes few minutes to hours to cause sunburn, complete healing may take several days to weeks. So, you should not ignore sunburn symptoms at any cost. Home remedies to get relief from sunburn are focused on reducing pain and restoring the skin color quickly. Discussed below are some of the most effective sunburn relief tips, which you can try out:

Vinegar: Household vinegar (preferably apple cider vinegar) is one of the best sunburn remedies. You can either spray vinegar over the affected areas or soak it in a clean cloth and place it in burn skin. While taking bath, add 2 cups of vinegar in the bathing water.

Baking Soda: Baking soda gives soothing effect, when applied in burn areas. Dissolve it in cool bathing water and soak in bath for 30 minutes. You can also make a paste out of baking soda and water and apply it over the sunburn affected areas to fasten healing.

Essential Oil: Another home remedy to get relief for sunburn is chamomile oil or lavender oil. Fill water in a spray bottle and add a few drops of any one of these oils. Shake it and spray in the skin to soothe pain and itching symptoms.

Cold Yogurt: Usually the affected sunburn area feels hot and painful to touch. Applying cold yogurt in such bodily areas will give you a cooling effect and relief from sunburn pain. The ingredients found in yogurt also help in quick healing of sunburn skin.

Cold Milk: Cold milk gives the same sunburn relief as yogurt. You can dip a clean washcloth in cold milk and place over sunburn, several times a day. Doing so will help you soothe pain, itching and at the same time, improve skin texture.

Aloe Vera: Take a fresh aloe vera leaf and cut it lengthwise. With a spoon, remove the gel (without touching the yellow part) and apply it in circular motions in the sunburn areas. You can also use cream or lotion that is based on aloe vera.

Oatmeal: Oatmeal is effective for treating several skin problems, including rashes and sunburn. Fill bathtub with cool water and add 2 cups of oatmeal. Leave it for some time before soaking yourself in the bathtub for about 30 minutes.

Witch Hazel: Witch hazel is another effective remedy for providing sunburn itch relief. Dab a cloth in cold witch hazel and place it on the skin. Or you can spray it directly over the sunburn areas to get instant relief from pain and itching.

Honey: To get sunburn relief, use honey alone in concentrated form in the skin. Or else, mix 8 drops honey with 3 drops of lemon juice and apply it over the affected areas. Also, combine honey with milk in equal amounts gives the same soothing effect.

Tomatoes: Rich in antioxidants, ripe tomatoes aid in quick healing of the sunburn areas. Make slices, mash them or prepare juices, tomatoes are ideal to treat burn skin. Another option is to make a paste using equal amounts of tomato and buttermilk and rub in the skin.

Cucumber and Potato: Cucumber and potato are effective sunburn remedies. Take any of these and grate it. Apply the grated cucumber or potato over the affected skin. Use it 2 - 3 times daily to promote fast sunburn treatment.

Sunburn, in extreme cases, is life-threatening. Thus, preventing it is the best remedy to get relief from sunburn complications. Practicing regular skin care tips and using sunscreens with a correct sun protection factor (SPF) is crucial while spending long hours in outdoors. Also, you should wear hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from scorching heat and harmful sun radiations.

If the above mentioned sunburn relief remedies do not show positive responses even after several days, get treatments for sunburn from a qualified dermatologist. The doctor may probably prescribe topical creams and medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) and corticosteroids to reduce pain and inflammation of the sunburn areas and also, to promote quick healing.