Soothing Remedies - Treating Sunburn

by Sharon A. Bell

A recent trip to the beach, involving unevenly applied sun block, left me with red, itchy skin. After researching remedies for sunburn on the internet, and asking friends and family about their own cures, I thought I’d share some of what I’ve found.

There are so many different home remedies that I’m sure one of these will include ingredients already owned, and you won’t have to go out and buy a lot of materials to soothe your burning skin.

First and foremost, easy ways to avoid sunburn include avoiding direct sunlight (between 10am and 4pm, when the sun’s rays are strongest), and applying sun block. It is very important to apply sun block evenly, covering any exposed skin. Failure to do so can result in sunburn and funny looking tan lines.

Sunburn is far more detrimental than the irritating itch and heat. The damage done by the sun’s harmful rays are permanent and can lead to skin damage, even cancer. So it is very important to avoid sunburn and absorption of the sun’s rays.

Sunburns do happen, though, and there are many easy ways to treat it effectively, providing relief to your skin. These remedies cool down the affected areas as well as prevent peeling of the skin.

Apply cold water pads on the burn. A mixture of vinegar, ice and water work very well to take the heat out and provide relief. You can also put some vinegar on a cotton ball and apply it to the affected area. A mixture of baking soda and cold water work in the same way.

Mix instant mashed potato mix with crushed ice for instant relief.

Vitamin E supplements, aloe vera, and preparation H help in soothing burned skin, in speeding up the healing process, and in preventing peeled skin.

Lavender oil and yogurt also help treat the pain of sunburn.

A mixture of 2 teaspoons of tomato juice and 4 tablespoons of buttermilk can be applied to the skin. Leave this on for about 30 minutes and rinse off. A mixture of 2 teaspoons of olive oil and 2 teaspoons of vinegar can be used in the same way.

If you have a live aloe plant, use the pulp from a stalk to soothe sunburn, as well as slices of cucumber.

One of the best remedies involves a black tea compress. Brew several tea bags in hot water. Add cold water until tea mixture is warm Either place tea bags over affected area, or soak material in mixture and place over sunburned areas. Leave on for about 30 minutes. According to my research, the tannic acid in the tea draws the burn out of the skin, and can help drastically reduce the redness and pain of sunburn.
There are a few other important notes concerning those affected by sunburn. It’s important to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, and if you notice blisters, experience nausea or fever or feel faint, you should seek a doctor immediately as these may be signs of sun poisoning or severe sunburn which require medical attention.