Sunburn occurs when there is overexposure of ultra-violet rays of the sun to our skin, causing the skin to increase its production of melanin, the dark pigment in the epidermis which is the top layer of the skin. As a result, you become tanned and brown.
One should protect their skin from sun damage with sunscreen and sunblock. Severe sunburn can be both painful and itchy. People who frequently suffer from sunburn are at high risk of developing skin cancer as they age.
Every year, hundreds and thousands of people get sunburn and they look for fast and effective remedies to deal with it. We show you some remedies to get rid of that sunburn. Follow these guidelines the next time and you can heal the burn much faster than before.
Do Not Delay
When you see that tell-tale signs of sunburn or reddening of the skin, get out of the sun immediately and begin treatment right away. The sooner you act, the easier it will be to deal with sunburn.
It may take 4 to 6 hours for the symptoms of sunburn to show. Your first step should be to take sunburns seriously and start acting upon it.
Shower And Moisturize
Take a cool shower and rub a moisturizing cream all over your body, especially on the affected areas. Rub the lotion gently to soothe the skin. Moisturize repeatedly to make the peeling and flaking of skin less obvious.
Look for a cream with vitamin C and vitamin E that can limit skin damage. You can also use hydrocortisone cream for a couple of days to get relief from pain. However, do not pick or peel your skin as it could lead to blisters and infections.
Hydrate The Skin
Any kind of burn draws fluid to the skin surface, which also means it draws fluid away from the rest of the body. You need to consume more water to keep the skin well hydrated for the next few days. Drink loads of water, and juice and sports drinks if you are feeling dehydrated.
Watch out for any symptoms of dehydration such as thirst, dry mouth, headache, reduced urination, dizziness, and sleepiness. Do pay special attention to children as they are more vulnerable to sunburn.
Measure The Damage
Most case of sunburns can be easily treated at home if you act right away. However, one should know when to seek medical attention. If the affected area covers more than 20% of your body, seek medical help right away.
If the person with a sunburn is also suffering from fevers and chills, do see a doctor. It means that the body safety net has failed, and more help is needed to deal with the sunburn.
Take Medication
If you would like to take sunburn medication, consult your doctor first. He might suggest a dose of ibuprofen for the next 48 hours. The aim is to cut down on the swelling and redness. Other types of medication include acetaminophen which can help treat the pain but it does not carry the same anti-inflammatory effect as ibuprofen.
Avoid Soap
Don’t rub soap on the sunburned area as this could make it worse. This is because soaps tend to dry the skin, which will irritate the affected areas further. Stay away from bubble baths and if you must use soap, go for the mild brands.
It is best to soothe the skin with refreshing cold water. Gently pat the skin dry with a fresh towel instead of rubbing.
Use Compresses
As the skin is inflamed when it is sunburn, compresses will help you to get relief from your sunburn. Add a few ice cubes to a pail of water, soak a cloth and pat it softly over the affected area. Repeat every few minutes and do this several times a day.
Home-based Remedies
- Apple Cider Vinegar
Add half cup of Apple Cider Vinegar to a cup of cold water and fill it into a spray bottle. Shake the bottle and spray this mixture over your sunburnt skin. Wait for the spray to dry and you should get instant relief from the sting of the sunburn. If you do not have a spray bottle, just dab the mixture on the damaged skin. - Aluminum Acetate
To treat intense itching, mix Domeboro’s powder with water. Just be careful to follow the package directions. Apply the powder paste over the skin. The aluminum acetate keeps the skin from getting too dry and itchy. - Witch Hazel
Dampen a cloth with witch hazel, and use that incredible astringent to get long-lasting anti-inflammatory relief. Repeat when needed. This is an effective solution, especially for small areas. - Potato Paste
Take a few potatoes and grate them to extract some juice or use the pulp. Potatoes are well known as a pain reliever as well as treating minor skin irritations. These are perfect for soothing scratches and burns as well as to control inflammation. - Mint & Tea
Mint is a naturally cooling agent and will soothe your skin. Tannic acid and theobromine found in green tea offer relief from pain and aids in healing damaged skin. Make a mixture of mint and tea and apply the lotion over the affected area.
In general, prevention is always better than cure. Use sunscreen generously, cover yourself up with clothing and big hats, and do not go under the sun when it is at its hottest if you are prone to getting a sunburn.
