Treatments for Sunburn

Sunburn is caused due to excessive exposure to sunlight. It is a common occurrence in those who go fishing, visit a beach, work in the yard, or simply stay out in the sun for long. It is caused due to the ultraviolet rays of the sun burning the skin. Sunburn results in inflammation of the skin. Mild symptoms include fatigue and dizziness. Some may even suffer from chills and fever, nausea, and vomiting.

In severe cases of sunburn, also referred to as sun poisoning, symptoms include severely burnt skin with lots of blisters on it. One may also suffer from acute dehydration, electrolyte imbalance and infection. Some even experience shock due to lack of blood circulation to vital organs. Very severe case of sunburn may even cause death. However, there are some simple treatments for sunburn that are useful in providing relief from mild sun poisoning symptoms.

Treatments for Sunburn

Get out of the sun as soon as you feel that you might be suffering from sunburn. While this may be hard to tell, knowing the symptoms of sunburn can help you in this regard. The best way to prevent sunburn is to stay out of scorching sunlight. Keeping the body cool while suffering from a sunburn is the key to effective treatment. Take frequent baths in cool water. However, ensure that the water is not ice cold. Adding oatmeal or baking soda to the bath is known to provide relief from mild cases of sunburn. Do not scrub the skin while taking a bath. Avoid using oils, bath salts, or perfumes as skin having sunburns is sensitive. Using these products may trigger some reaction. Use a soft towel to dry yourself. Don't rub, just gently pat yourself dry.

Mild sunburns can also be treated with compresses made by mixing equal parts of milk and water. A cool compress from Burrow solution can also be made by dissolving 1 packet in 1 quint of water. Soak a soft cloth in this solution. Rinse it and apply it to the affected area for 15-20 minutes.

Keep the affected area moist using an aloe vera based lotion or water based moisturizing creams. One can also use creams that are hydrocortisone based. Calamine lotion can also be used to soothe itching. However, do not use lotions that have local anesthetic medications as they can trigger allergic reactions in the skin.

Sunburns can be treated by some easy home remedies as well. Cut a potato and spread its juice over the affected area. This provides quick relief. One could also sponge the affected area with chamomile tea or chamomile diluted in warm water. Add 2 to 3 drops of lavender oil to 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil. This mixture can be applied on the skin for relief.

In case there are blisters along with sunburn, do not burst them. Leave them intact. Bursting the blisters will protract the healing process. It may also increase chances of causing an infection. If needed, you could cover the blisters lightly with gauze.

Anti-inflammatory medicines like aspirin or ibuprofen can also be taken to get relief from pain caused due to sunburn. Follow the instructions given on the label. Do not give aspirin to children as it may cause Reye's Syndrome, a rare disease, which nevertheless can cause death.

When to Consult a Doctor?

Although in most cases sunburn treatment can be done with simple remedies at home, treatment of severe sunburn is best done by a physician. Seek medical help in case a person suffers from any of the following conditions:

• There is severe sunburn with blisters over a large part of the body.
• A person suffers from high fever or pain along with sunburn.
• Sunburn does not heal within a few days with home treatment.

Treatments for sunburn take time to show their effects. It is best to take precautions in order to prevent sunburns. If you are going out, try to get in shade as much as possible. When out, keep yourself covered with loose cotton clothes or wear sun protective clothing. Use good quality sunscreens and drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated.