Sunburn is the term for red, sometimes swollen, and painful skin caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. Sunburn can vary from mild to severe.
The extent depends on skin type and amount of exposure to the sun. Sunburn is a serious risk factor for skin cancer.
Because of variations in the intensity of UV radiation passing through the atmosphere, the risk of sunburn increases as you approach the equator. The higher the latitude, the lower the intensity of the UV rays.
On a minute-by-minute basis, the amount of UV radiation is dependent on the angle of the sun. The greatest risk is at solar noon when the sun is directly above you.
Facts On Sunburn
Here are some key points about sunburn.
- Sunburn is caused by ultraviolet light from the sun.
- In some cases, sunburn can cause the skin to blister.
- Sunburn can be soothed by home remedies.
- Avoiding sunburn in the first place is better than having to treat its effects.
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Baking Soda
Baking soda can be very soothing on sunburned skin due to its alkaline nature. Plus, it has antiseptic properties that will relieve the itchy sensation associated with sunburn.
Fill your bathtub with cold water, add one cup of baking soda and stir well. Soak in the water for about 15 minutes. After getting out of the bath, pat dry or allow your body to air dry. Do this once daily until you get positive results.
Alternatively, mix four tablespoons of baking soda with enough water to make a paste. Apply the paste directly on the affected skin using a cotton ball. Leave it on for 10 minutes and then wash it off with tepid water. Follow this remedy once or twice a day for several days depending upon the severity of your condition.
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Oatmeal
Oatmeal can also help treat sunburned skin. It has soothing properties that help the skin retain its natural moisture and reduce irritation.
Fill the bathtub with cool water, add one cup of oatmeal to it and mix thoroughly. Soak in the bath water for about half an hour. After getting out of the water, air dry your body and avoid rubbing the skin with a towel. Do this once daily until you get rid of the sunburn symptoms.
Alternatively, cook oatmeal with enough water until it has a runny consistency. Let it cool completely and then apply it liberally to the damaged skin. Do not rub the oatmeal on your skin. Leave it on the skin for half an hour and then rinse it off with cool water. Follow this remedy two or three times a day as needed.
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Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has excellent anti-inflammatory properties that help deal with the various symptoms of sunburn. Plus, it has soothing properties that can ease the pain associated with sunburn.
Extract the gel from a section of an aloe vera leaf.
Put the gel in the refrigerator for half an hour.
Apply a light coating of the chilled gel on the sunburned skin.
Allow it to dry on its own so the skin can fully absorb the medicinal properties.
Do this five or six times daily for several days.
If you do not have an aloe vera plant, you can buy aloe vera gel from the market.
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Black Tea
Black tea is full of antioxidants that are very beneficial for treating irritated and sunburned skin. Tea has tannins that help protect the skin from UV radiation damage and reduce inflammation. It also aids in restoring the skin’s pH balance.
Brew two or three teabags in a pot of hot water. Allow it to sit for a few minutes.
Remove the teabags and let the liquid cool to room temperature.
Soak a cloth in the solution and dab it on the affected skin.
Leave it on until it dries complete and reapply three or four times, as necessary; you need not wash it off.
Do this daily for a few days until your condition improves.
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Apple Cider Vinegar
A great astringent, apple cider vinegar can soothe sunburn pain and also speed up the healing process. Also, the acetic acid present in apple cider vinegar helps ease itching and inflammation.
Add one cup of apple cider vinegar to your bathtub filled with lukewarm water. Soak in this water for about half an hour. This will help balance the pH level of sunburned skin and promote healing. Follow this remedy once daily as needed.
Mix equal amounts of apple cider vinegar and cool water. Soak paper towels in the solution and place them over the affected skin area. Leave them on until the towels are dry. Repeat several times a day for a few days until your condition improves.
Note: Avoid using apple cider vinegar remedies if you have abrasions on your skin.