Natural ways and home remedies for Sunburn

Sunburn occurs when there is too much exposure of skin with the UV rays of sun. In mild cases of sunburn symptoms may include redness of skin and pain. After about 5-7 days, skin peeling may also occur.

In Severe cases of sunburn are called sun poisoning and may include symptoms like 

• Electrolyte imbalance
• Skin burning and blistering
• Infection
• Fluid loss (dehydration)

Preventive measures

• Cover your skin properly while going outside
• Wear protective eyewear
• Stay out of the sun
• Apply sunscreen while going in sunlight, on cloudy days also.

Home remedies for sunburn

Home remedies for sunburn include use of cool compresses and baths, some essential oils and herbs, certain foods or supplements. These include

• Use of cold compress on sunburned skin for immediate sunburn pain relief 
• Take a bath or cool shower to cool your sunburned skin.

Some natural bath therapies to decrease sunburn pain and other symptoms include:

• Taking an oatmeal bath is helpful for itchy, sunburned skin.
• Add one cup of apple cider vinegar while taking bath will help to maintain the pH (acid or alkalinity) of sunburned skin, and promote the process of healing.
• Add some lavender or any essential oil while taking bath to help relieve some of the stinging and pain.
• Add 2 cups of baking soda to the bath to reduce irritation and redness from sunburn.
• Avoid soap or perfumes as these can leads to dryness of skin on already sunburned skin.
• Application of petroleum jelly or Aquaphor ointment can be done on sunburned lips to keep them moisturized.
• Use of lotions that contain aloe Vera should be done to moisturize sunburnt skin. As aloe Vera acts as a good moisturizer for peeling skin.
• Teabags soaked in cold water can be applied to sunburned eyelids to soothe the burn and reduce inflammation.

Foods and vitamins used to relieve sunburn pain

• Apply cool, not very cold, milk with a clean cloth to the affected area of skin. 
• Application of yogurt can also be helpful for the sunburned skin to provide soothing.
• Vitamin E is an antioxidant, and helps to decrease inflammation caused by sunburn. You can use Vitamin E oil for the local application on the skin or take a regular dose of the supplement.
• Cornstarch after mixed with water to make paste can be applied to skin to help soothe the sunburn.
• Cucumbers also contain good antioxidant and analgesic (pain relieving) properties. You can apply the paste of cucumber to the affected sunburned parts of the body including the face. Cucumber can also provide soothing effect for peeling skin following sunburn.
• Potatoes also help to heal skin. Boil and mash peeled potatoes, let them cool and apply this paste as a dressing to sunburned areas. Studies shows that the starch in the potatoes helps draw out heating effect,that may reduce pain and speed healing.

Over the counter (OTC) medicine for sunburn pain relief

• Use of OTC medicines like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for eg. Ibuprofen or naproxen helps to relieve sunburn pain and inflammation.
• Topical use of over-the-counter (OTC) 1% hydrocortisone cream may be helpful to relieve sunburn symptoms such as pain, itch, and swelling.