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If you tend to have sensitive skin, then you would probably be more susceptible to sun burns than anyone else. Sun burns are reddish rashes that appear on the skin due to over exposure to the sun’s rays. The rashes would cause a burning sensation, and are in most cases, very painful to handle.
And though there are certain medications that can offer relief from the condition and its symptoms, there are certain home remedies that would offer you temporary relief from sun burns until you get them treated medically. Mild cases of sun burns can also be cured completely with these home remedies.
Home Remedies For Sun Burn
Given below are some of the most common home remedies for sun burns. Be aware though that these remedies can only treat mild cases of the condition. Severe cases of sun burn would have to be treated medically, with these remedies used in between for temporary relief.
Ice Cold Water
The moment you realize you have a sun burn, try soaking the affected area in a tub of ice cold water. This would sooth the area and reduce the burning sensation caused by the sun burn. This would also be the right remedy to follow in case you get a sun burn in a hard to reach area like your back.
Soaking in a tub filled with ice cold water in this case could easily relieve the burning sensation caused by the sun burn, and soothe the affected skin. Of course you would need to get out of the tub after about 20 minutes in order to avoid numbness from setting in.
Baking Soda
Baking soda can help relieve the pain and itching sensation caused by a sun burn. Add some baking soda (4-5 tablespoons) to a tub filled with cold water. Soak in this solution for about 20 minutes to soothe the affected area.Avoid using a towel to dry off the area. Rather, stand under a running fan for about 10 minutes to air dry your skin. This would prevent the skin in the affected area from drying up and becoming scaly.
Cold Compress
You would need to soothe the sun burnt skin as much as possible. And this is possible by keeping the area moist and cool for extended periods. You can do this by soaking a washcloth in ice cold water and then wrapping it around the burnt area. Rewet the cloth at regular intervals to maintain the coldness.
Adding some baking soda to the solution in which you soak the washcloth can also help soothe the burnt skin, and reduce symptoms like itchiness to an extent. Note that applying ice cubes or packs directly on the affected areas could be more harmful to the skin. So make sure you cover the ice cubes or packs with a cloth before placing them on the affected areas.
Oatmeal
To get relief from sun burn and its side effects, consider adding some oatmeal to a tub filled with cold water before soaking in it. You can opt for natural oatmeal or its powdery form, both of which would be equally effective in treating sun burns. One cup of oatmeal would serve the purpose.And similar to baking powder, don’t towel dry your body after the soak. Air dry your body instead (as mentioned above) to prevent flaking.
Cornstarch
Sun burnt skin is prone to chaffing. In order to avoid this, you can apply some cornstarch powder over the affected area before wearing your clothes (including inners like bras and underwear). Doing so would ease the irritation caused when the clothes come in contact with the affected skin.
Reapply the cornstarch (just a small amount) on the affected areas at regular intervals (once in every 5 hours or so) for extended relief from the condition. Avoid doing it though if the itchiness and irritation increase after applying the cornstarch powder.
Aloe Vera
One of the best home remedies to soothe sun burnt skin would be to apply some Aloe Vera gel over the affected area. Cut off a leaf or stem from the Aloe Vera plant and collect the sticky juice that oozes out.
Apply this gel directly on the burnt skin to constrict the blood vessels and reduce the pain and inflammation caused by sun burns. Keep reapplying the gel at frequent intervals (probably 5-6 times a day) for extended relief. And follow this remedy for at least a week or so until the skin heals completely.
Milk
If you can’t seem to get hold of anything to treat your sunburnt skin, grab a glass of cool milk and splash it over the affected area. This would give you instant relief from the pain and burning sensation caused by the condition.Afterwards, you can soak a washcloth in cool milk and wrap it around the burnt skin for relief. Continue this remedy for at least a week or so for the skin to heal properly.
Potato
Raw potato can help soothe sun burnt skin, and reduce the pain and burning sensation caused by the condition. Peel a potato and grind it with some water to form a thick paste. Apply this paste over the affected area and wait for it to dry. Wash the area with cold water afterwards.
You can also apply some of this paste to a medical gauze and wrap the same around the burnt area for relief. Change the dressing once every 4 hours or so. And continue applying the potato paste to the area until the redness disappears, and the pain and irritation come down to an extent.
Coconut Oil
The wonders of coconut oil are limitless. While coconut oil can act as an effective sun block, it can also be considered as a very good cure for sunburnt skin. Rubbing some coconut oil gently on the sunburnt areas can reduce the pain and burning sensation immediately.Keep reapplying some coconut oil on these areas at regular intervals throughout the day for extended relief. And follow the remedy for at least a couple of days until the rashes disappear.
