How to Treat Sunburns To Skin

There are so many important tasks that compel us to get out of shades and walk in the sun. Before doing so it is advised to wear sunscreen or scarf to prevent sunburn. But what if you were a little careless and forget to put sunscreen or carry a scarf before stepping out in the sun.
No doubt your skin will suffer from sunburn.

How to Treat Sunburns

How to Treat Sunburns

What is Sunburn

Sunburn may be defined as skin damage that is caused due to the over exposure of the sun.

What Causes Sunburn

When your skin is subjected to the sun when it is at its peak even a short duration of exposure may cause the sunburn. Sunburn may also be caused in winters if the skin is directly exposed to the sun for a long time. UVA and UVB rays of sun damage the skin and also may alter the skin DNA promoting the skin aging.

Causes Sunburn

Causes Sunburn

It may also contribute to skin cancer. The severity of the sunburn depends on skin type, the intensity of the sun and time of exposure. Blondes and blue-eyed women are more prone to sunburn.

What are the Symptoms of Sunburn

Sunburn turns your skin red and it hurts. In the case of severing sunburn, blisters may develop on your skin and your skin may swell up. You may even have fever, chills, nausea, headache and weakness. After a few days, skin peels and there is itching over the affected area. This body’s own way to get rid of damaged and burned skin.

What you should do to Treat Sunburn

Simple home remedies are enough to treat the sunburn in most of the cases.

Home Remedies to Treat Sunburn

1.Cool water

Run the affected part under cool water for a few minutes. Do not use ice or it may further damage your skin as this will constrict the arteries. Repeat this several times in a day. This is the best and the easiest way to get rid of sunburn.

Cool water

Cool water

2.Aloe vera

Aloe vera is well known for its cooling and soothing properties. Also, it is anti-inflammatory. Extract the gel of the fresh aloe vera leaf and apply it to the affected part. It is better if you keep the gel in the refrigerator for half an hour before using. Repeat this 4-5 time in a day for a week or two.

3.Oatmeal

Oatmeal has the property to retain moisture and reduce irritation. Also, it helps to reduce itching and exfoliates the burned skin faster. Add a cup of oatmeal to your bathtub filled with water and soak yourself in it for about 20 minutes. This is followed by air drying your body and not rubbing with a towel. Be careful while you step out of the bathtub as oatmeal bath may make your feet slippery. You may rub your feet with a towel.

4. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar soothes the pain being natural astringent. It also promotes the healing process and is anti-inflammatory. Take a cup of apple cider vinegar and add it to a bathtub filled with water. Soak yourself in this solution for 20-30 minutes. Repeat this every day for a few weeks.

Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar

5. Baking soda

Baking soda being alkaline in nature acts as antiseptic, soothes the skin and also relieves the itch. Add a cup of baking soda to the bathtub filled with water and soak yourself in it for 20 minutes. This is followed by air drying your body.

Baking soda

Baking soda

6. Honey

Honey is humectant. It retains moisture. Also, it provides soothness and prevents the formations of blisters, secondary infection and inflammation. Apply honey to the affected part and leave it for 20 minutes. This is followed by rinsing off with cool water. Repeat this for a few days.

sunscreen

sunscreen

If the sunburn is severe with swelling and pain all over body your doctor may prescribe you NSAIDS. In the case of fever and body ache antipyretics and painkillers may be given. Better consult your doctor and take the prescribed medicines only.

* To prevent sunburn in future make sure to keep yourself hydrated, wear sunscreen of at least SPF 30.

* Sunscreen is to be applied 30 minutes before getting out in the sun.

* Apply it after every 2 hours and if you are sweating heavily or swimming apply it more often. Wear a scarf and a sunglass or carry an umbrella before stepping out in the sun, Better avoid stepping out it in the sun when the sun is at its peak (11 am to 4 pm) especially in summers.

* Always wear sunscreen while taking a sunbath. Avoid being exposed to direct sunlight for long. Better wear cotton clothes.

In the case of high fever along with the symptoms of dryness such as chills, severe pain, sun blisters covering 20 percent of the body, increased thirst, dizziness, fatigue and dry mouth immediately consult your doctor.

Dr. Ritu Kumari Gupta
Dr. Ritu Kumari Gupta:  Professionally a homeopathic doctor and a dietician Dr. Ritu Kumari Gupta is passionate about writing health and parenting blogs. She believes in holistic approach towards health and well being.