Home Remedies for Sunburn

Almost everyone loves to take sunbathe. Sunburn can be painful and uncomfortable. Sunburn is a burn to living tissue such as skin produced by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, commonly from the sun’s rays.
Repeated sun exposure and suntans cause premature aging of the skin. Repeated sunburns increase the risk of skin cancer in the damaged area. Each blistering sunburn doubles the risk of developing malignant melanoma, which is the most serious type of skin cancer. Sunburn occurs because the body is unable to make enough melanin (protective pigment in the skin) to protect the skin.

The usual mild symptoms in humans and animals are red or reddish skin that is hot to the touch, general fatigue, and mild dizziness. An excess of UV radiation can be life-threatening.

Why Home remedies for sunburn

Home remedies for sunburn are often used as a first-line treatment for mild to moderate cases of sunburn. There are several reasons why people opt for home remedies:

1. Availability: Most home remedies are made from ingredients that are easily available at home or can be purchased at a nearby store.
2. Affordability: Home remedies are often inexpensive compared to over-the-counter treatments or prescription medications.
3. Convenience: Home remedies can be applied at any time and in the comfort of your own home, without the need to visit a doctor or pharmacy.
4. Natural ingredients: Home remedies often use natural ingredients that are gentle on the skin and don’t contain harsh chemicals.
5. Soothing effect: Many home remedies for sunburn are known for their soothing and cooling effect, which can help alleviate the discomfort and pain associated with sunburn.

Symptoms of sunburn

The symptoms of sunburn can vary depending on the severity of the burn. Here are some common symptoms of sunburn:

1. Redness: The affected area may appear red and feel warm to the touch.
2. Pain and tenderness: The skin may be painful or tender to the touch, especially if pressure is applied.
3. Swelling: The affected area may be swollen or feel puffy.
4. Blisters: In severe cases, blisters may form on the skin.
5. Peeling: As the burn heals, the affected area may start to peel or flake.
6. Itching: The skin may feel itchy as it begins to heal.
7. Headache, fever, and fatigue: In severe cases, sunburn can cause headaches, fever, and fatigue.

Apart from these some common symptoms of sunburn are:-

• Scaling
• Pain
• Swelling
• Skin tenderness
• Blisters
• Fever
• Chills
• Shock
• Exfoliation
• Nausea or vomiting or both

Home remedies for Sunburn

Here are some home remedies that can help soothe sunburn. these remedies are meant for mild to moderate sunburn.

1. Aloe Vera: Aloe vera is a well-known natural remedy for sunburn. The gel from the aloe vera plant can help soothe the skin and reduce inflammation. Simply apply the gel directly to the affected area.
2. Cool Water: Taking a cool bath or shower can help soothe sunburned skin. You can also apply a cool, damp cloth to the affected area for 15-20 minutes at a time.
3. Milk: Milk contains proteins that can help soothe the skin and reduce inflammation. Soak a cloth in cold milk and apply it to the affected area for 15-20 minutes at a time.
4. Honey: Honey is a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent. Apply a small amount of honey directly to the affected area and let it sit for 15-20 minutes before rinsing it off.
5. Cucumber: Cucumbers have a cooling effect and can help reduce inflammation. Slice a cucumber and apply the slices directly to the affected area for 15-20 minutes.
6. Coconut oil: Coconut oil contains fatty acids that can help moisturize and soothe sunburned skin. Apply a small amount of coconut oil directly to the affected area.
7. Boil lettuce leaves for ten minutes, strain off, chill the water (cool, not cold), and apply it to burned skin. Some dermatologists also recommend this.
8. Take a cool bath or shower: This can help cool down the skin and ease the pain.

How to protect from Sunburn

You can protect your skin by wearing sunscreen, hats, and clothes that cover your body. Sunscreens absorb ultraviolet light, thus reducing the amount of UV light that reaches the skin.

• The sun is most intense between 10 am and 3 pm so avoid exposure to the sun during these hours.
• Clouds don’t block UV radiation. To avoid getting burned on overcast days, wear sunscreen.
• Wear UV-filtering sunglasses to protect your eyes.
• Use a lip balm with sunscreen to protect your lips from burning.
• Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. Apply to the skin whenever you go outside or ride in the car, apply it to all exposed areas 30 minutes before going outside.
• Eat lots of lean and high-quality protein foods. Also, include raw fruits to supply the vitamins and minerals needed.
• To relieve sunburn pain apply over the affected area cool water compresses or fill a bathtub with cold water and dissolve one pound of baking soda or oatmeal in it. Soak in the bath for 30 minutes approximately, until you feel relieved.
• Cool compresses: Apply cool, damp compresses to the affected area for 15-20 minutes at a time. This can help reduce inflammation and soothe the skin.
• Moisturize: Apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to the affected area. This can help prevent peeling and keep the skin hydrated.
• Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce pain and inflammation.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help prevent dehydration, which can make sunburn symptoms worse.
• Avoid further sun exposure: Stay out of the sun until your sunburn has healed.
• Sunburns can be avoided by using sunscreens with the right amount of SPF that goes along with your skin. However, before using any products or following any of the remedies one should consult his/her dermatologist.

If your sunburn is severe, or if you develop blisters, fever, or chills, you should seek medical attention.