Home Remedies for Sunburn

When the skin is overexposed to the ultra violet rays from the scorching sun, sunburn is caused. Other sources of ultra violet rays like welding arcs, tanning lamps can also cause sunburn. It can cause skin cancer. Sunburn should never be taken lightly because it may even lead to death or permanent disability. Fair people are at greater risk as compared to dark people.

Skin may become red and tender

Generally symptoms of sunburn take some time to appear. The skin may become red and tender. It is warm to the touch. After some hours or days blisters may develop on the skin. All this may be followed by peeling of the skin after few days. Some other symptoms of sunburn are fever, chill, nausea, vomiting, rash, flu and skin loss.

Ultraviolet rays

Melanin in our skin protects the skin from harmful ultra violet rays. But when the amount of exposure to ultra violet rays exceeds the ability of melanin to protect the skin, it results in sunburn. The skin is more exposed to scorching sun while working outdoors, swimming, skiing, and hiking and hence chances of sunburn increase. Certain factors like consumption of birth control pills and antibacterial agents used in soaps make our skin more prone to sunburn.

Remedies for burnt skin

Apply aloe vera or vinegar on the affected skin; it will stop inflammation and pain. Avoid products made from benzocaine, lidocaine and petroleum jelly. Rub mustard oil on the affected skin and allow to it dry, this will take out the heat from the skin. Cut fresh cucumber slices and rub them on the affected area. Before taking bath, add some baking powder to the bath water, this will help to soothe the burnt skin. Apply lavender oil or peppermint oil on the burnt skin. Apply apple cider vinegar to the burnt skin using cotton ball. Take herbal bath; put few drops of chamomile and lavender essential oils in bath water. Take epsom salt or ice compress. Grate some potatoes and apply them on the burnt skin. Starch from the potatoes will soothe the burn.

Take vitamin E and vitamin C diet

Antioxidants like vitamin E and vitamin C are very helpful in curing sunburn. Hence include vitamin E and vitamin C in your diet. Tomato is a good antioxidant. Eat good quality protein foods like meat, egg, fish, chicken and so on. Eat lots of fruits. They will supply essential vitamins and minerals. To keep the body hydrated and compensate for the lost fluids, drink lots of fluids.

SPF 30 or above sunglasses should be used

While going outdoors wear good quality sunglasses and apply good quality sunscreen creams whose SPF is 30 or above. Do not use harsh soaps to wash sun burn.