Sunburn is a common skin condition that occurs due to overexposure to the harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun. It can lead to redness, pain, inflammation, and even blistering in severe cases. While prevention is always the best approach, sometimes we end up spending too much time in the sun without adequate protection. In such cases, home remedies can help provide relief and promote healing.
10 Home Remedies To Get Rid of Sunburn
1. Cool Water Treatment
Applying cool water to the affected area can help to soothe the skin and reduce pain and swelling. You can use a clean cloth or towel soaked in cool water, or take a cool shower or bath.
2. Rehydrate Your Body
Sunburn can cause your body to lose fluids, so it’s important to rehydrate by drinking plenty of water or fluids such as sports drinks. Avoid alcohol, which can further dehydrate your body.
3. Apply Tea Bags
Tea contains tannic acid, which can help to soothe sunburned skin.
- To use this remedy
- Take a tea bag of black or green tea
- Soak the tea bags in cool water for five minutes.
- Remove the tea bags and then apply them to the affected area for 10-15 minutes.
- You can repeat this process 2-3 times daily.
4. Apply Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is a natural astringent that can help to soothe sunburned skin by reducing inflammation. Before using this, make sure you are not allergic to it and it would be preferable to ask your doctor first.
5. Use Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has been used for centuries to treat a variety of skin conditions, including sunburn. This plant contains compounds that can help to reduce inflammation and pain.
- To use this remedy,
- break off a piece of an aloe vera leaf
- Extract the aloe gel into a bowl
- Apply the gel directly to the affected area.
- Leave it on for 30 mins before rinsing it with cool water.
- You can repeat this process 3 times a day.
6. Apply Cold Compress
A cold compress can help to soothe sunburned skin.
- To make a cold compress,
- Wrap ice cubes in a clean cloth or towel
- Apply it to the affected area for 10-15 minutes.
- Another option is to soak a clean cloth in ice water then wring it and apply it directly on the affected area.
- This method is not scientifically proven.
7. Oats and Baking Soda Bath
Oats contain compounds that can help to soothe itchy, sunburned skin.
- Take one cup of oats and one cup of baking soda and mix them
- Add this mixture to a cool bath tub
- Soak for 15-20 minutes in the bathtub before rinsing.
8. Apply Coconut Oil
Coconut oil contains compounds that can help to moisturize and protect the skin. Apply a thin layer of coconut oil to the affected area after cooling it down with cool water.
This method is not scientifically proven.
9. Wear Loose Breathable Clothes
Wearing loose, breathable clothing can help to prevent further irritation of sunburned skin. Natural fabrics such as cotton are best. Avoid tight clothing that sticks to your skin and doesn’t allow it to breathe.
10. Wet Towel Soaked in Cold Tea
Place a wet towel soaked in cold tea and apply it to the sunburned area for 10-15 minutes. The tannic acid in the tea can help to soothe the skin. You can use chamomile tea, green tea or black tea for this process
How to Prevent Sunburns?
There are a few things you can do to prevent sunburn
- Apply Sunscreen – Apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 that provides broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Be sure to apply it liberally and reapply every two hours, or more often if you’re swimming or sweating.
- Seek Shade – Seek out shade whenever possible, especially during the middle of the day when the sun’s rays are the strongest.
- Cover Up – Cover up exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and a wide-brimmed hat.
- Avoid Tanning Beds – Tanning beds emit harmful UV rays that can damage your skin and lead to sunburn. Avoid them altogether.
When to See a Doctor?
See a doctor if you have severe sunburn, or if the sunburn is accompanied by:
- Blisters – If your sunburn is severe enough to cause blisters, seek medical attention. These can easily become infected.
- Fever – A fever may be a sign of heatstroke, which is a medical emergency.
- Dehydration – Dehydration can occur with any type of sunburn. Symptoms include thirst, dark urine, dry mouth, and dizziness. If you’re unable to drink enough fluids to stay hydrated, seek medical attention.
- Seizures – Seizures can occur with severe sunburn, especially in children. This is a medical emergency.
- Nausea or Vomiting – Nausea and vomiting may be a sign of heatstroke or dehydration. If you’re unable to keep fluids down, seek medical attention.
Sunburn is a painful condition that can be easily prevented. Be sure to apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 that provides broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
Seek shade whenever possible, and cover up exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and a wide-brimmed hat. Always do a patch test before trying any of these remedies and also be sure to consult a doctor if you are unsure of trying these remedies. Stay safe and enjoy your time in the sun!
Sources:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3263051/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25607907/
