Remedy to treat sunburns

what can we do for a young teenage girl that is badly sunburned?
( 5 Oct 2007)

Sunburns occur from prolonged exposure to the sun. This condition can cause substantial discomfort. The burns on the skin are caused by the effects of the ultraviolet rays of the sun.

This results in inflammation on the skin and usually begins to occur about half an hour after exposure to the sun. Sunlight contains UVA and UVB radiation. UVB radiation is more harmful and can also cause skin cancer. Both types of radiation can cause sunburn. Fair skinned individuals are more prone to sunburn as their bodies produce a lesser quantity of melanin, the pigment which protects the body from UV radiation of the sun. Sunburn causes the skin to become red and irritated. If severe sunburn is left untreated, it could result in shock. This condition can be extremely painful and in very severe cases, could prove to be fatal. Other symptoms of sunburn include fever, chills, appearance of blisters on the skin and nausea. Severe sunburn requires medical attention as it can be a serious condition.

Dehydration may occur when sunburns develop. As such it is important to keep the body well hydrated by drinking lots of water and fluids. The best way to relieve sunburn and provide immediate relief is to apply an ice compress on the affected areas. If the sunburn has occurred on a large part of the skin, then you can soak in a bath of cold water to which baking soda has been added. To prevent infection of the blistered skin, it is essential to cleanse the areas with antibacterial soap. The blisters should not be squeezed or broken, as this could aggravate the condition. Blisters are formed as a natural body reaction and serve to protect the burnt skin. Do not apply petroleum jelly or any other greasy creams to the burnt area. This will cause the heat to remain trapped within the skin.

If sunburn has occurred on the face, a paste of barley powder can be mixed in milk. Add honey and egg white to this and apply to the affected areas. A solution of buttermilk and tomato juice can also be applied to the burnt areas to aid healing. Chilled cabbage leaves can be placed directly on the affected skin to reduce the burning. Another soothing remedy for sunburns is to add rose water to the bath. Cucumber juice helps to decrease inflammation on the skin caused by sunburn. Cucumber juice can also be mixed with milk and applied to relieve the symptoms of sunburn.

answered by G M on 8 Apr 2010, 9:54:58

Sunburn is not just an irritating annoyance – it can wreak needless disturbance on healthy skin cells and put the individual at risk for developing skin cancer later in life. One of the best treatments is to prevent sunburn with the help of a powerful sun block, sunscreen, in addition to appropriate physical apparel such as a hat, umbrella, long sleeved clothing etc. Some time tested home remedies to tackle sunburn after it has impacted the skin include:

Vinegar – Apply a solution of Apply apple cider vinegar in water with the help of a sprayer or quick dabs of the solution on the affected area with a towel. The affected areas must then be covered with a towel that has been soaked in black tea, for relief. Even though the vinegar and the 'tea-soaked-towel' are likely to smell a bit, it does wonders to cool off the sunburnt skin.

Tea Solution – Make a cup of tea with the help of tea bags and leave it in the refrigerator with some ice. Use this chilled solution as a direct spray on the affected skin or dab it with a soft towel. Tea solution immediately cools and provides physical relief from the burn.

Milk – Lukewarm or chilled milk can also be used a direct application on the sunburnt skin. Gauze doused in cold milk must be placed on the affected area and left on the spot for at least 30 minutes. It must then be rinsed with cool water after the area has begun to dry up.

Aloe Vera – Fresh gel from the aloe plant is believed to be an excellent remedy for sunburnt skin. Take a leaf of the plant and use the gel as a direct application on the sunburnt skin for immediate relief. As the gel begins to dry, keep applying or cleansing the affected part with fresh gel. A combination of fresh aloe gel with a dab of vitamin E is also highly recommended for sunburn. Vitamin E is also believed to be a good moisturizer.

Baking Soda - Prepare a solution of baking soda in water and soak a clean cloth in it. Apply the solution on the affected areas of the skin and let it dry naturally. Baking soda helps to cool the skin and help the skin to hold back moisture.

However if, even after taking these measures, you find no relief from these treatments and instead start to experience giddiness, retching, fever/chills, acute fatigue, contact a doctor immediately.

answered by G M on 19 May 2009, 3:51:45

Home remedies for sunburns

Apply Aloe Vera gel on her skin and wash it with the diluted gel 3 to 4 times a day. You can also rub the burnt skin with a slit leaf of Aloe Vera.
Apply vinegar to the burns 1 or 2 times a day.
Rub mustard oil on the skin 2 to 3 times a day to help the removal of heat from the burnt skin.
Rub the burns with a slice of cucumber or raw potato. Apply grated raw potato or cucumber as a poultice on your skin 2 to 3 times daily. You can wash your face with the juices of cucumber or raw potato.
Apply lavender oil, coconut oil, olive oil, vitamin E oil or peppermint oil to the affected areas.
Apply the water of tender coconut 3 to 4 times a day. Leave it for 1 or 2 hours and then wash with water. But use a fresh coconut everyday.
Add some baking soda or Epsom salt to the bath water and let her soak in it for 10 to 15 minutes.
With a cotton ball apply apple cider vinegar to the burnt skin.
Rub the skin gently with ice cubes or if she can not bear the cold then apply ice compresses to the burnt areas.

answered by D D on 21 Feb 2008, 12:21:38

Remedy to treat sunburns

what can we do for a young teenage girl that is badly sunburned? ( 5 Oct 2007)

what can we do for a young teenage girl that is badly sunburned?
( 5 Oct 2007)