Soothing The Effects Of Sunburn

Sunburn, as should be obvious from its name, really is a form of burn and should be treated as such. Fortunately, there numerous effective, traditional remedies available, which will help relieve the pain and inflammation.

A serious Matter

Sunburn should never be taken lightly. However if your skin is pink and merely feels a little hot, it’s not too serious and your skin will continue to produce melanin. Soothe away any sensation of discomfort with water mixed with vinegar. The proteins in milk also have a mild anti-inflammatory effect on sunburn. Apply compresses soaked in cool skimmed milk to the affected areas or cover them with natural yoghurt. You could also try applying slices of cucumber, potato or apple (which also help relieve irritation).
If your skin is very red or purple, or if the buring sensation is unbearable and you are experiencing nausea and fever, consult a doctor immediately.

Lily and Lavender

If you fall between these two extremes- your skin is red and you find it hard to bear the touch of clothes- there are some other remedies that might prove effective. Besides aloe vera gel and St John’s wort oil, you could try white lily oil, which is both soothing and healing, or spread a few drops of pure medicinal lavender essential oil on particularly sensitive areas. Normally, essential oils should not be applied directly to the skin, but lavender oil can be used undiluted. It is soothing and also has anti-inflammatory and healing properties.

Key Facts:

• To treat light sunburn, use a little water mixed with vinegar, or poultices of milk or yoghurt.
• For more serious burns, try aloe vera, St John’s wort oil or lily oil.
• If you are badly burned and suffering from nausea ad fever, consult a doctor immediately.

Do you know?

• Even if your skin is only slightly burned, don’t do any more sunbathing until the inflammation has died down. Restart gradually, always using a protective cream.
• The same applied if you have peeled and your skin is already tanned underneath the peeling layer.
• More serious burns will take several weeks to heal.
• If you have peeled and the new skin is very pale and pink, wait until the damage has healed completely before sunbathing; and when you do, use a total sun block.