How to Use a Home Remedy for Sunburn

We've all done it before - gone out in the sun (or let our kids out) without sunscreen. If we do remember the sunscreen, we often forget to reapply it every couple of hours or after swimming. The pain, redness and sometimes blisters that come with a bad sunburn can be excruciating. In addition, the body releases toxins after being sunburned. The American Academy of Dermatology calls sun exposure the biggest preventable skin cancer risk. Some simple home remedies can alleviate the pain of a sunburn and help the skin heal more quickly.

Home Remedy for Sunburn: Milk

A milk-soaked cloth can reduce the severity of a burn and provide soothing relief as it heals. For even more cooling power, stick the milk cloth in the freezer for an hour or so before placing it on the sunburn.

Home Remedy for Sunburn: Ice

Wrap ice in a washcloth and hold it on the sunburned area. Wetting the cloth before putting the ice in will help the ice melt through to the skin faster.

Home Remedy for Sunburn: Vinegar and Baking Soda

Adding a cup of apple cider vinegar or baking soda to a lukewarm bath is an effective home remedy for relieving the itch and pain of a sunburn. Vinegar may also be gently applied directly to the skin.

Home Remedy for Sunburn: Vitamin E

Vitamin E oil is a great remedy for soothing the itch and promoting healing of a sunburn. If you don't have bottled vitamin E oil you can squeeze it out of capsules onto the sunburn.

Home Remedy for Sunburn: Aloe

Aloe vera is cool and comforting on sunburned skin. Aloe also promotes healing and can reduce the duration of a sunburn. Aloe can be purchased bottled, or you can extract the gel from your own live aloe plant.

Home Remedy for Sunburn: Pain Management

Aspirin is the most effective remedy for interrupting sunburn damage, when taken as soon as possible - within 24 hours of the burn. Ibuprofen is also effective at relieving sunburn pain because it is an anti-inflammatory.

Sunburn Prevention

The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends using sunscreen with a protective factor of at least 15. An SPF of at least 30 should be used on children. Clouds do not protect you from UV rays so be sure to wear sunscreen whether it is sunny or overcast.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Sunburn

Fever, chills, and/or severe blistering can indicate infection or sun poisoning. See your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.