complementary medicine

Each of us most likely has at least one memory of nasty sunburn. Whether experienced personally
or by a close family member or friend
the symptoms are likely to include anything from red hot skin – either tender or painful to touch
to nausea
dehydration
blistering and flaking or peeling of the skin.

As anyone who has experienced bad sunburn will verify
the amount of time spent causing the sunburn
is largely disproportionate to the length of time that can be spent suffering the consequences of its effects. In this respect
and depending on the severity of burning
-- pain and discomfort can persist for several days after the event
as the body works to heal and recover from the unprotected UV exposure.

Unless the symptoms are severe
(in which instance you may need to consider medical treatment)
here are 5 simple home remedies that will cost you next to nothing
and which will assist in soothing the sting and pain of sunburn:

1. Cool baths: - Soaking in a cool * bath is one of the best ways to draw heat from the skin and soothe the pain and discomfort of sunburn. (Avoid ‘cold’ as this can cause the body to go into shock.) Here are some additional things to add to your baths for further relief:

a. Add 10 drops of so of essential oil (chamomile or lavender) to the bath. Soak for 15 minutes or until relief is felt.

b. Adding baking soda (or oatmeal) to a lukewarm bath can also relieve sunburn pain. For this treatment to work best
try to make sure that all affected areas are submerged. Bath water can be poured over your body using your hands or a soft washcloth. Burned facial areas can be gently dabbed using the cloth
or alternately you can splash water directly onto your face. After soaking
lightly pat the skin dry with a soft towel (preferably cotton). If you’ve take an oatmeal bath
let the light coating of oatmeal that clings to your skin remain.

c. Adding vinegar to the bath water will help in taking the sting out of sunburn.

2. Rubbing alcohol: - Because it evaporates so quickly
dabbing on rubbing alcohol will quickly cool and ease the pain of sunburned skin.

3. Vinegar: - Vinegar is an effective and cooling treatment for sunburn. Soak towels with it
and apply to the burned areas. Alternately you can fill a spray bottle and spray it directly on the skin as needed.

4. Egg Whites: - If your burn is painfully hot
separating the white from the yolk of an egg
and then spreading the white over the affected area will help to cool the burning instantly. This can be repeated as often as needed.

5. Potatoes: - Potatoes can also be used to relieve the pain of sunburn. Take 2 potatoes and wash them well. Cut them into tiny chunks and place in a blender to liquefy. (If the result appears too dry
add some water). Pat the affected areas with potato juice. Wait until dry
and then rinse off in a cool shower or bath.

Remember that as well as causing varying degrees of discomfort and pain
repeated sun exposure and sunburn also accelerates the aging process and can increase the risk of cataracts and skin cancer. Prevention therefore should also always be considered more preferable than treatment!

DISCLAIMER: These are home remedy tips only
and should not replace your regular health care provider. If in doubt at any time in relation to your sunburn
please seek the appropriate health care assistance.