13 Ways To Treat Sunburn

Sunburns are very painful and they need to be treated immediately in order to prevent the skin from peeling off which often leads to other serious infections. It can also lead to many other complications such as sunstroke, dehydration and even skin cancer.

A majority of the people suffer from only first and second degree burns which can be treated at home and only requires you to follow certain steps in order to treat them. Listed below are some tips which are very helpful in treating sunburn.

Apply Sunscreen

To protect yourself from sunburn, apply sunscreen lotion on your skin with a sun protection factor of a minimum of around 15. Rub it in a way to make a slightly thick layer over the skin because if you apply a thin coat, it will considerably reduce the effectiveness of the sunscreen lotion.

If you are at the beach or pool and want to swim, try and search for the sunscreen which is waterproof. The sunscreen should be applied within 20 minutes before being exposed to the rays of the sun, giving it enough time for your skin to absorb the lotion.

Keeping Your Skin Moist

If you are suffering from sunburns, it is recommended that you should apply some aloe Vera gel or cream to the burns to keep them moist. You must avoid the creams which make your skin dry such as those that contain alcohol. Do not use sunburn lotions that comprise of anaesthetics like benzocaine because they cause irritation to the skin. Benzocaine has often resulted in a disorder that causes a decrease in the amount of oxygen in the blood. If you want to use these creams, it is best to consult your physician about the matter.

Avoid the Sun

It is best to avoid the sun during the afternoon hours especially , as the sun rays are most strong then. Try to reschedule your outdoor appointments with people such as going to the beach. If you can’t avoid it, then make sure to get as much as shade as possible and limit the amount of time you spend in the sun especially during the afternoon.

Wear Loose Cotton Clothes

It is essential to wear loose cotton clothes when suffering from sunburn as it does not rub much against the skin. Materials such as polyester can make the skin more irritated as they constantly rub against the skin. If you sit on a chair or a sofa  in you r house, place a soft sheet before you sit  in order to prevent your skin from getting aggravated by coming in contact with the upholstery.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is very helpful in treating sunburns. You can apply some of the olive oil on your skin and leave it there for a few hours.

Do not wash the skin directly after applying it as the effectiveness of the treatment is reduced. When the oil seems to be dried to a good extent, then have a shower.

Drink a Lot of Water

Drinking water will help you restoring the fluids which are lost as well as helping your body to recover from the sunburns. Avoid beverages such as alcohol which leads to dehydration. Fruit juice which is made from fresh fruits is very good to keep hydrated.

Avoid Sunbathing

Sunbathing is unhealthy for the skin as recommended by doctors around the world. Sunbathing should not be done especially by those who are fair skinned. Sunbathing only leads to burns on the skin. If you can’t stop it, then take it slowly, letting your skin build up the melanin which protects your skin. Applying tanning oils would cause the sunburns to get worse as they increase the effect of the ultraviolet rays.

Using Vinegar

Vinegar comprises of acetic acid which helps in reducing the pain caused by sunburns, inflammation as well as the itching that is caused by it. To use vinegar in treating the sunburns, take some soft towels and soak them in white vinegar. After that, place them on the areas where there are sunburns. Keep the towels on these areas till they are dry. You can repeat this as many times as you want. You can also mix around two cups of vinegar in water and bathe yourself in it.

Applying Green Tea Towels

Take some green tea and let it cool. Following that, take few small towels and soak them in the tea. Apply it on the affected areas. This is because green tea contains the antioxidants which are very helpful in reducing the inflammation as well as in protecting the skin from the harmful ultraviolet radiations.

Using Potatoes

Potatoes are also very effective in treating sunburns. Take two potatoes and peel them. Then place them in the blender and take out the paste applying it on the affected areas. Leave it there till they dry up. After that, take a shower to wash it off. Apply this regularly for a few days in order to experience relief.

Oatmeal Bath

A very effective way in treating sunburns is by mixing oatmeal with water and has a bath. Take half or full cup of oatmeal and mixing it in the water. It helps in soothing the skin.

Chamomile Tea

Chamomile Tea can also be used to treat sunburns by soaking a towel in the tea and apply it to the skin. To make the tea, add a teaspoon of dry chamomile to a cup of boiling water and let the tea cool, only then apply it. It is helpful in providing relief from the pain caused by the sunburns.

Using Lavender Oil

Lavender possesses anti-inflammatory, healing properties which are extremely helpful in treating sunburns. It is also helpful in reducing the pain that is associated with sunburns.Take a piece of cotton with the lavender oil on it. Apply the piece of cotton on the affected area and gently massage it into the skin.

Following these tips would be extremely helpful in giving you the desired results by treating the sunburn quickly.