Overview
When exposed to the ultraviolet rays of the sun, one can see blisters and peeling of the skin also reddening and inflammation of the skin is observed, which is known as sunburn. It can vary from mild to severe. Sunburn is considered as a serious risk factor of skin cancer. Due to this reason, we would advise people to not neglect the sunburn issue.
The extent is completely depending upon the type of the skin and your exposure to the sun. As there are lots of variations observed in the intensity of ultraviolet radiation passing through the atmosphere, you cannot reduce your risk of getting a sunburn as you are nearer to the equator. Your exposure to the ultraviolet rays can be reduced if the latitude is higher.
The angle of the sun decides the amount of ultraviolet radiation and it can be measured on a minute by minute basis. You will be at a greater risk When your exposure is directly above the sun. People experience sunburn due to UV light from the sun and in some cases, it may lead you to cause blisters.
Weakness, fever, chills, vomiting, nausea, fainting, and low blood pressure are the symptoms of a sunburn. Sunburn can harm your body in not less than fifteen minutes but the harm is not serious.
Your skin will start to turn red after the thirty minutes of its exposure to the sun, and in most cases, it may take two to six hours. You will experience lots of pain between the six to forty-eight hours after exposure. The burn will continue to develop and it leads to peeling skin in three to eight days. In other cases, the peeling and itching may continue for several weeks.
The following are the various natural remedies for treating sunburn and soothing your skin.
Cool Water
Inflammation of the skin is considered as a sunburn. You can treat your inflammation with the help of cool water by pouring the water into the affected area. It is considered as one of the easiest ways to treat inflammation. If you want to treat your sunburn immediately, we would advise you to hop in the water, it doesn’t matter whether it is an ocean, lake, or stream. You can decrease the severeness of your problem by dipping in and out in the water.
Don’t follow the above procedure if you are near to the swimming pool, as the pool water contains chlorine and it may make your condition even worse by irritating your skin more. Applying ice directly to the affected area is not a good idea, as it may cause more damage to your sunburned skin. We would advise you to avoid it if you have sensitive skin.
Baking Soda and oatmeal
When you are affected by sunburn and want to get relief from it immediately. Then, we would advise you to add a few tablespoons of baking soda into a bathtub which consists of cool water and soaking in it for about fifteen to twenty minutes can reduce the damage to your skin caused by sunburn.
If you want to soothe your skin and get rid of irritation then we would advise you to follow a simple method. All you need to do is a cup of oats add into your bath, it will help your skin to retain its natural moisture and reduce the skin irritation.
After getting out of the bath, we would advise you to don’t scrub your skin instead you can dab yourself dry with a towel but don’t rub.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has the capability of treating wounds, burns, and problems relating to the skin. Due to this reason, it is considered a tropical medicinal plant. It works by soothing your burns and that is why it is called a burning plant sometimes.
It has been observed in a study that aloin is a compound present in aloe vera is responsible for the benefits of the plant and it has the properties of anti-inflammatory. That’s why it is effective in treating various conditions. To treat your sunburn with the help of aloe vera, all you need to do is spread a layer of pure gel over the affected area that comes from an aloe vera leaf.
We are recommending people to buy an aloe vera plant and grow it in your home. Aloe vera can reduce the chances of peeling of the skin if you apply that gel immediately after affected by the sunburn. Based on the report given by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, applying aloe vera on the skin does not harm your skin and also there are no side effects associated with aloe vera gel. It is completely natural and you can use it as long as you want. But, if you choose to ingest aloe vera, it could lead to the following side effects such as
- Abdominal cramps
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Electrolyte imbalances
We would advise people to not apply aloe vera gel if they are allergic to the aloe, garlic, tulips, or onions. Other than treating sunburn, it has the capability of giving relief to you from other conditions such as relieving constipation, relieving heartburn, reducing the sugar levels of blood in the people who are suffering from type 2 diabetes, and it can speed up the healing process of anal fissures.
While more research is needed to be done as it lacks evidence. But, when you are affected by sunburn, applying aloe vera is a great way to promote healing, reduces swelling and pain.
Chamomile tea
Your spirit will thank you for having a cup of chamomile tea, but it can also soothe your affected area. Make your tea as you normally would and let it cool. Take a cotton cloth and soak it for a few minutes and apply it to your sunburned skin.
We would advise people to not follow this method if you are allergic to pollen. Because there are chances of it may cause serious allergic reactions to your skin when you applied it to the affected area.
Vinegar
If your condition is very mild, then we would advise you to use vinegar for sunburn relief. All you need to do is add 2 cups of vinegar in cool bath water that can give you relief from the burn. While others say that high content of acidity in vinegar can make your condition worse. If you are trying this method for the first time, then we would advise you to not try it if you are suffering from a serious burn.
Prefer Loose Clothing
To speeding up your healing process, we would advise you to avoid wearing tight clothes and gives your burn some air. Skin is considered as the largest organ of the body, and it is best to give some space to breathe as it heals from a sunburn. Cotton or bamboo is considered as the best natural fiber and it will be helpful for you to recover from the sunburn.
Drink Plenty of Fluids
As sunrays damaged your skin, we would advise you to drink plenty of fluids in the form of water. As your skin needs moisture that is lost when your skin is exposed to the sun. You need to get that moisture back and it is possible only through drinking water. Staying hydrated is the best way to battle with sunburn. You need to drink eight glasses of water a day to treat your nasty sunburn.
Apply Moisturiser
Your skin may need the moisturiser again after taking the initial treatment. Applying moisturisers can prevent the skin from peeling or it can reduce the damage caused by the peeling. We would advise you to apply the moisturiser regularly to the affected areas. It has the capability of reducing the severeness of your skin irritation.
Pain Relievers
If you are unable to bear the pain causing by the sunburn, then we would advise you to take some ibuprofen. It is better for you to aware of the side effects caused by the use of ibuprofen. Changes in your vision, unable to breathe or breathing problems, sudden weight gain, sore throat, burning in your eyes. Skin pain, dizziness, headache, constipation, nausea, vomiting, gas, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and ringing in your ears are the common side effects caused by the use of ibuprofen.
If you are experiencing any of the above side effects caused by the ibuprofen, then we would recommend you to consult your physician immediately.
Roman chamomile
To relieve your sunburn, we would advise you to try roman chamomile essential oil. It can soothe your burn with its calming effect. This essential oil is used in aromatherapy, make-up, and also in skincare products. It is a very simple method and all you need to do is add a few drops of roman chamomile essential oil to a cold bath to soothe your sunburn. It is available in all health stores or you can buy it online.
Conclusion
Sunburns are common in the summer season and we would people to consult their physician immediately if they don’t see improvements by following all the natural remedies. Drink plenty of fluids and take the necessary steps to decrease swelling and prevent further sun damage.
References
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14979742
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3269110/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27410443
Sirisha B