Take the Sting Out of Sunburn Using These Home Remedies

Hot summer days leave us flocking to the great outdoors where we will go swimming, fishing, camping, hiking, boating and a whole slew of other activities we yurn for during the Winter months. Unfortunately, with our desire to be outside comes the risk of sunburn, and we may not even realize it has happened until the next day.

A sunburn can occur in as little as 15 minutes if you are light-skinned. Redness, pain and swelling will manifest themselves 24 hours later. With every burn, your risk for developing malignant melonoma increases.

While you should take care to avoid getting a sunburn, there are a few things that you can do in order to make yourself more comfortable in the event you do get burned.

Home Remedies:

Vitamin E: Applying a cream containing Vitamin E will help reduce itching.

Milk: Dip a cloth in milk and apply to the affected area.

Vinegar: Add one cup of white cider vinegar to your bath water.

Lavendar: Apply lavender essential oil to the affected area to help reduce pain and itching.

If you seek relief from blisters associated with sunburn, try adding some Tide laundry detergent to your bath.

Aloe Vera: Gives a nice cooling sensation to the skin while taking the sting of sunburns. Apply about six times a day. This is one of the most effective treatments for sunburn.

Baking Soda: Add a few tablespoons to your bath water and soak for 15 to 20 minutes, but no longer as it will dry your skin out. Don't remove any of the baking soda and be sure to towel dry. This provides soothing relief to your skin.

Take a cool bath, but don't soak too long. Don't use any soap. If you feel you must, use a mild soap such as Aveeno. Don't use a washcloth, loofah, or sponge. Pat dry.

Oatmeal: Soothes the skin. Add 1/2 to one cup to a cool bath then air dry. Leave the oatmeal on your skin.

Make a mixture of honey and lemon juice. Leave on up to 15 minutes, rinse with running water. Provides instant relief from sunburn pain.

Drink lots of water: Water will replenish lost fluids. By staying hydrated, your sunburn will heal faster.

Although UV radiation provides the body with much needed Vitamin D, we can over do it and cause much damage to our skin. Remember to always use a sunblock to help prevent sunburns.