Applying sunscreen is important, but nobody is perfect and a sunburn can happen. Home remedies found in one’s kitchen cupboard can help your skin find relief.
The first step I recommend is to get out of the sun. Next, I want you to rehydrate your body by drinking lots of water. Dehydration can cause people to feel weak, nauseated and sometimes even pass out.
Cooling off the skin either in a bath or using a towel soaked in cold water can help begin the repair process. But, don’t use ice packs as that can injure the skin and possibly the nerves.
There are a number of home remedies that can help speed up the repair process. I have three to share:
1. Add 2 cups of oatmeal into a sock and place into a cool bath.This will soothe the skin.
2. Steep 2 tea bags also in a cool bath. It can also ease the swelling and redness.
3. Soak a washcloth in cold milk, wring it out and place it on the burned skin. Milk has anti-inflammatory benefits which may aid the repair process.
Pain often goes hand-in-hand with a sunburn, so here are my prescriptions for pain relief:
1. Apply aloe vera gel, arnica creams or the flower calendula These are good burn healers you can find at health-food stores.
2. Try Witch-hazel Extract
It has anti-inflammatory benefits but don’t use it if you have blisters or peeling skin.
3. Do Not Use Butter or Oily Creams
Anything greasy or products with a lot of petroleum will not help cool the skin down.
4. Stay hydrated and Out of the Sun for A Few Days
Because getting more sun can make your sunburn even worse.
Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory and pain medication like ibuprofen can help those suffering with sunburn pain. Of course, my main advice here is: don’t forget your sunscreen to begin with! Because your risk of a potentially lethal skin cancer called melanoma DOUBLES if you’ve had more than five sunburns.
