Sunburn Remedies

Sunburn Remedies: Attitudes to sun exposure, tanning and sunburn have changed greatly over the past few decades, mostly in recognition of the damage done to skin from excessive exposure to the sun. Once an accepted part of a day in the sun, sunburn is now a major cause for concern and actively avoided by many people.

Sunburn Causes:

Sunburn results from damage to the skin by ultraviolet (UV) rays. There are two frequencies of UV radiation, UVA and UVB. The Sunburn cause is UVB rays, while UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and are responsible for premature aging and skin cancer. Limited sun exposure is beneficial as the skin starts to produce Vitamin D. Ten to fifteen minutes sun exposure two to three times a week is sufficient for this production of Vitamin D.

Although sunburn can be sustained in as little as fifteen minutes, the symptoms take several hours to develop. Some drugs including certain antibiotics, tranquilizers and contraceptives can increase susceptibility to sunburn. Symptoms vary with the severity of the sunburn, beginning with redness and heat in mild cases. The sunburned skin will be tender to the touch and may blister and peel.

Sunburn is often accompanied by dehydration and heat exhaustion. Symptoms of these conditions include nausea, dizziness, rapid pulse or breathing, and extreme thirst with little urine output. These are serious conditions and require immediate attention.

Sunburn Remedies

The best remedy for sunburn begins with prevention. If you are going to be in the sun, make sure you protect as much of your skin as possible. Use a broad spectrum sunscreen which blocks both UVA and UVB rays. This is most effective if we apply it before sun exposure, and then reapply at regular intervals especially after swimming or sweating. Each sunscreen product will have recommendations on the label for the timing of reapplications.

Covering skin with clothing, wearing a broad brimmed hat and wraparound sunglasses will also help protect from sunburn. Where possible avoid the sun during the middle of the day as UV radiation is strongest from about 10 am until 3pm.

Much of the discomfort of sunburn comes from the heat of the affected area. We can reduce this with cool baths or showers, or cold compresses. Taking over the counter pain relief such as acetaminophen (paracetamol) or ibuprofen can help. Stay out of the sun until we recover from sunburn completely to avoid further damage.

Conclusion

Once skin suffered from sunburn, there is no cure but time. The skin will have to heal itself. Remedy is just for reducing pain and discomfort. Work on hydration, both of the body and the skin. Drink lots of water and apply hydrating lotions to the sunburned area. Aloe Vera is very good for this, and there are many lotions and sprays you can use after sun exposure which contain Aloe.

Further Reading:

• Does Aloe Vera Help Acne?
• Natural Treatments For Acne
• Oily Skin | Causes and Treatments
• Dark Circles Under Eyes