Most likely, each of us has at least one memory of getting a bad sunburn. Whether personally experienced or by a close family member or friend, the symptoms are likely to range from nausea, dehydration, blistering, and flaking or peeling of the skin to red hot skin that is tender or painful to the touch.
The amount of time spent producing a sunburn is generally disproportionate to the amount of time that can be spent experiencing its symptoms, as anyone who has had a serious sunburn can attest. In this regard, and depending on how badly the scorching was, pain and discomfort may linger for a few days while the body attempts to recover from unprotected UV exposure.
Here are 5 easy home treatments that will cost you next to nothing and help to reduce the sting and pain of a sunburn, unless the symptoms are severe (in which case you may need to consider medical treatment):
1. Cool baths: One of the finest ways to remove heat from the skin and ease sunburn pain and discomfort is to soak in a cool bath. (Avoid using the word “cold” because it can put the body into shock.) For even more alleviation, consider adding the following to your baths:
a. 10 drops or more of chamomile or lavender essential oil might be added to the bath. Dip for 15 minutes, or until you feel relief.
b. A lukewarm bath infused with baking soda (or oatmeal) will also soothe sunburn pain. Try to ensure that all affected regions are submerged for this therapy to be as effective as possible. You can apply bath water to your body with your hands or a gentle washcloth. You can gently dab burned facial parts with a cloth, or you can splash water on your face as an alternative. After soaking, use a soft towel to gently pat the skin dry (preferably cotton). If you’ve taken an oatmeal bath, leave the thin layer of oats on your skin.
c. Sunburns can be made less painful by soaking in a bath of vinegar.
2. Rubbing alcohol: Because it evaporates so rapidly, wiping it on sunburned skin will help to cool and soothe it.
3. Vinegar: Vinegar is a cooling and efficient sunburn remedy. It can be applied to the burned regions by soaking cloths in it. Another option is to fill a spray bottle and use it to mist the skin as needed.
4. Egg Whites: If your burn is extremely hot and painful, separating the egg white from the yolk and applying it to the damaged region will immediately assist to calm the burning. You can do this as many times as necessary.
5. Potatoes:Potatoes can be used to treat sunburn pain. Wash two potatoes well. They should be broken up into little pieces and put in a blender to liquefy. (If the outcome seems excessively dry, add more water.) Potato juice can be applied to the afflicted areas. In a cool shower or bath, rinse off after waiting until it is dry.
Keep in mind that frequent sun exposure and sunburn not only cause varied degrees of discomfort and anguish, but they also hasten the ageing process and raise the risk of skin cancer and cataracts. Therefore, it should always be thought of as preferable to prevent than to treat!
DISCLAIMER: These are merely recommendations for at-home treatments; they shouldn’t take the place of your medical doctor. Seek the necessary medical help if you have any questions at any moment about your sunburn.
