Home Remedies to Get Rid of Sunburn

When the living tissues of the skin get burnt or destroyed due to too much exposure to Ultra-Violet radiation of the sun, sunburn occurs. Similar burns can occur from sun equivalent sources like welding arcs or tanning lamps. People who are out in beaches, who go for fishing or work in yards are exposed to scorching sun for several hours and usually get sun burnt. With over-exposure to ultra-violet radiation, the melanin loses its power to protect the skin, and the skin becomes vulnerable, and highly sensitive. Ultra violet radiation plays havoc on this vulnerable skin, tanning it and making it wrinkled. Thus sunburn makes a person look dark and older than his years.This explains why people staying close to equator are so dark complexioned. The symptoms of sunburn are noticeable within half an hour of over exposure to sun. Sunburn is seldom severe, but there are also instances of few worst cases where even death or permanent disability has occurred due to sunburn. Too much of sunburn can lead to sun poisoning and skin cancer. Fair-skinned people, people with prior history of skin injury, people with sensitive skin and those under certain specific antibiotics are more susceptible to sunburns. To stay away from sunburn, one should use sun glasses, sunscreen lotions, umbrella, broad brimmed hat, wear light-colored attire. Symptoms of Sunburn1. Skin inflammation
2. Skin redness
3. Skin irritation
4. Warm and tenderness of skin
5. Painful rashes
6. Peeling of skin
7. Blisters
8. Fever and chills
9. Nausea
10. Vomiting
11. Dehydration
12. Flu-like symptomsHome Remedies for Sunburn1. One may very gently rub the affected skin with a soft cloth dipped in cold milk. This will relieve sunburn symptoms.2. Gently massaging the affected skin with mustard oil will give relief from burning sensation and itching3. Aloe Vera juice is highly beneficial in treating sunburns. It relieves burning sensation with its cooling effect.
4. Rubbing cucumber or potato slices on the burnt area can be quite soothing.5. Application of sandalwood paste also soothes sunburns.6. Application of lavender oil on the affected area is an effective remedy for sunburn.7. A mixture of equal proportions of olive oil and vinegar may be applied on the burnt skin and washed off after an hour. This would relieve itching and pain.8. Application of a mixture of tomato juice and butter milk is a good home remedy for sunburn. It takes off the tan and treats effectively sunburn rashes.9. One may apply a paste made by mixing barley flour, honey and raw egg on affected skin to get relief from sunburn symptoms.10. One may boil lettuce leaves in water, strain the liquid and allow it to cool; later soak cotton balls in the liquid and dab the affected skin with it. This too is a beneficial sunburn home remedy.11. A mixture of 3 tablespoon milk and 2 tablespoon turmeric powder may be applied on the burnt skin to get relief.
12. One may pour half cup white cider vinegar in to bath water and enjoy a prolonged bath. This will take off the heat from the affected area.By Dr Andrew Napier