Natural Cures for Sunburn

Sunburn is a burn to the skin produced by overexposure to the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. The symptoms of sunburn are: Red skin that is painful and hot to touch, mild dizziness and tiredness. The skin damage is often permanent and can have serious long-term health effects, including skin cancer. Sunburn can be life-threatening and is a leading cause of cancer. A similar burn can be produced by overexposure to other sources of UV such as tanning lamps. Sunburn can be prevented by using: sunscreen, clothing and by limiting exposure especially during the middle of the day.

The main cause of sunburn is overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, generally from the sun's rays. Sometimes it may occur from other UV light such as tanning salons. It is associated with some microscopic change in the skin. Sunburn may occur to anyone who goes for fishing, swimming in the sunlight or visit a beach. Consumption of birth control pills, antibacterial agents used in soaps and shampoo, outdoor activities like swimming, skiing and hiking are the causes for sunburn.

Sunburn causes premature wrinkling and greater risk of cancer but home remedies can provide pain relief for mild cases at home. Summer sunshine and playing outdoors go together but if we don’t follow certain guidelines, we can pay the price with painful sunburn. The pain of sunburn may last up to a week but will be worst between six and forty-eight hours of sun exposure.

Apple cider vinegar - Vinegar is a great way to soothe your sunburn if you can get over smelling like vinegar. (If you can’t, use regular vinegar and add a bit of lavender essential oil or lemon juice) Dab some vinegar on a cotton ball and gently glide the cotton ball over the sunburned skin. Vinegar is considered to be the most effective natural means of relieving a sunburn (even though aloe gets all the glory). Another way to use vinegar to soothe the burn is to pour about sixteen ounces into a luke warm bath and soak for twenty minutes.

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.

Cornstarch:

Make a paste of cornstarch and water, apply to skin and allow to dry. Fill a spray bottle with cool water and add some cornstarch, mix to dissolve. Spray on burn. Fill a bath with cool water and add 1 cup cornstarch, dissolve. Soak in tub for 30 minutes. Soak in tub or shower with cool water. Pat dry. Lightly dust burn area with cornstarch.1/2 cup cornstarch + 1/2 cup baking soda added to bath of cool water, dissolve. Soak for 30 minutes.