Sunburn Issues? Here's How to Treat Sunburns at Home?

With summers, comes the worries of burning all the extra mango calories and holiday calories plus dealing with the sunburns! Well, I am here to help you deal with one of these worries - how to remove sunburn.

Sunburns are a common skin condition that occurs to the outermost layer of skin when the skin is exposed to excessive amounts of ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. It is an inflammatory response to too much sunlight that emits ultraviolet radiation. In severe instances, it can result in blistering and peeling in addition to reddening and inflammation.

In this blog post, we will discuss some remedies to treat sunburns at home. 

1. Cool the affected area using cool water

Cooling the affected area is one of the simplest methods to treat inflammation. Diving into the water, be it an ocean, lake, or stream, can effectively relieve sunburn while you're still outside. Throughout the day, dipping in and out can help prevent burns from getting worse. 

Avoid swimming pools because chlorinated water can aggravate skin irritation. Additionally, stay away from applying ice immediately. Even though it might seem tempting when your skin is already burning, it could end up hurting your extra-sensitive sunburned skin more.

2. Apply Aloe Vera gel

Get an aloe vera plant if you don't already have one in your home. Since ancient times, the gel inside this succulent plant has been used for everything from kidney infections to upset tummies. It is also the type of over-the-counter dermatitis remedy that is most prevalent.

The sting of a slight sunburn can be instantly and soothingly relieved by slicing off a piece of the plant and applying the gel directly to the skin. Try a 100% aloe vera gel instead of a plant if you can't get your hands on one. (not an aloe-based lotion or ointment). These gels are widely available in the market.

3. Put on cucumber slices or paste

Natural botanical substances with antioxidant and analgesic qualities are abundant in cucumbers. Making a chilled cucumber paste is the easiest method to use cucumbers on sunburned skin. Cucumbers should first be chilled before being blended in the kitchen to make a puree. Use the mixture to apply natural pain and inflammation relief to sunburned skin. To combine the healing qualities of both, you can add some aloe vera juice or gel to your cucumber paste.

4. Use plain yogurt

It has beneficial probiotics and enzymes that are great for the skin. Apply plain, unflavored  yoghurt to the sunburned skin right away. After allowing it to remain for approximately fifteen minutes, rinse it off with lukewarm water.

5. Utilize rice water 

By massaging starchy rice water on sunburns, inflammation, redness, and itching, you can reduce the effects of the heat. The cooling impact can lessen tanning and soothe sunburned skin.

6. Use moisturizers

Sunburns can cause the skin to become dry and itchy. Apply a moisturizer to the affected area to keep the skin hydrated and reduce discomfort. Look for a moisturizer that contains ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, or coconut oil.

7. Stay hydrated

Sunburns can cause dehydration, so it's important to drink plenty of fluids. Water, sports drinks, and coconut water can all help replenish lost fluids and electrolytes.

8. Avoid further sun exposure

To prevent further damage to the skin, avoid sun exposure until the sunburn has healed completely. If you need to go outside, wear protective clothing such as a hat, long-sleeved shirt, and pants, and apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.

In Conclusion

Sunburns can be painful and uncomfortable, but there are several things you can do at home to treat them. Remember that while a sunburn's symptoms will pass, the skin and DNA will be permanently damaged. Premature aging, wrinkles, sun spots, and skin cancer are long-term consequences. One bad sunburn is all it takes to have a detrimental effect. When you go outside, cover your skin with sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and clothing that blocks the light.

If your sunburn is severe or doesn't improve within a few days, be sure to talk to your doctor.