Home Remedies For Sunburn
Excessive exposure to the ultra-violet (UV) rays of the sun can cause sunburn. Ultra-violet rays are of two types – ultra-violet A (UVA) which affects the outer layers of the skin, and ultra-violet B (UVB), which affects the deeper layers of the skin. Both are harmful and cause damage to the skin.
Sunburn can happen, not only by direct sunlight, but also when sunlight is reflected off snow, metal, sand or water, all of which act as intensifiers. As in the case of other burns, sunburn too is classified as first degree burns, second degree burns or third degree burns.
Symptoms: In first degree cases of sunburn, the affected skin becomes red, tender and painful to the touch. This happens within a few hours of being exposed to the sun. After 3 or 4 days, the affected skin becomes dark, and then eventually peels off.
In cases of second degree sunburns, the reddening of the skin is accompanied by extreme pain and swelling, and sometimes blisters too, may appear, since the burn has gone into the underlying layer of the skin. Fever, nausea, vomiting and chills may also accompany it.
Home Remedies:
• Prevention is said to be the best cure. The first step is to prevent getting sunburned. The sun is strongest between 11.00am to 4.00 pm. Try not to go out during this time. If it is essential for you to be out, protect yourself from the sun as much as possible by wearing a hat, scarf, gloves and sunglasses. Wear light colored clothing. Use a good sunscreen lotion, with an SPF (sun protecting factor) of at least 15 or higher.
• Sunburn also leads to dehydration, so drink plenty of water and other fluids to combat it. Raw and fresh fruit and vegetable juices are especially helpful, since they also replenish the isotonic salts in the body.
• Tomatoes: Mash some tomatoes and apply immediately after coming in from the sun. They cool the skin as well act as a bleach against sun tan. You can add a little buttermilk to the tomato mash.
• Tea: Soak fresh tea bags, or take your used ones and refrigerate until cool. Apply them to the sun burnt areas. The tannic acid is especially helpful in drawing out the heat. You can also make a pot of tea, chill it and soak towels in it, which you then apply on the burnt areas.
• Aloe Vera: This is very soothing. Either apply fresh aloe vera gel, straight from the plant if you have it at home, or any aloe vera based lotion.
• Oatmeal: You can make a paste of oatmeal with the white of an egg, and apply on the skin. Leave for some time before washing off. Or you can also add two cups of oatmeal to a tub of bath water and soak in it for at least a half hour.
• Cornstarch or baking powder: Both can be used in similar fashion. You can dissolve 2 cups in bath water, and soak in it. Or you can make a smooth paste and apply to the areas of the skin which have sunburn.
• Cucumbers, potatoes or strawberries: Grate the cucumber and apply directly on the skin. You may also mix it with some milk to make a smooth paste before applying. Ditto with strawberries and potatoes.
• Milk or yogurt: These dairy products are also very helpful. Soak small towels in chilled yogurt or milk, and apply directly to the burn areas. You can also mix 4 to 5 cups in your bath water and soak in it.
