Oops, you experienced it again. You spend too much time in the sun, and now you end up with all swollen, blistered skin.
We should apply sunscreen before we step out in the extreme sun of Florida. Most of us would even reapply often to avoid getting sunburned. But let’s accept it: mistakes do happen.
Most people at some point will be sure to get sunburned.
Spending too much time in the sun—and even partly cloudy weather—can take a toll on your skin in more ways than one. It may leave you looking like a roasted lobster, but even worse, excessive sun exposure can wreak havoc on your skin (think a sunburn scar), exposing you to a greater risk of skin cancer.
As we said, it is easy to forget to apply or reapply sunscreen, especially in those hard-to-reach areas. Then before you know it, you have got sunburn.
Wondering how to treat a painful sunburn?
Luckily, there are many home remedies for sunburns to get immediate relief, ease irritated skin, and speed up the healing process.
Aloe Vera:
Aloe vera contains anti-inflammatory and skin-healing properties, making it an efficient remedy for painful sunburn. It is simple to use.
Take a fresh leaf of aloe vera. Peel it off to extract the gel-like substance. Or you can buy aloe vera gel from your grocery store (make sure it is organic and has aloe vera at least 90% of its composition.)
Place the gel in the refrigerator for about 30 hours to let it be set. Apply this cool aloe vera gel on the affected parts of the skin. Let it dry so that the skin gets enough time to absorb the nutrients from the leaf.
Once it is dry, wash it off with lukewarm water and pat it dry.
Black Tea:
Black tea contains antioxidants that promote healing.
It is packed with tannins which protect your skin from UV radiation damage while reducing inflammation. It is also useful in restoring the skin’s pH balance.
Brew 3 tea bags in a pan of hot water. Let it steep for a few minutes. Remove the teabags and let the liquid cool to room temp. Apply tea to the affected parts of the skin using a cotton ball. Repeat the “remedy” three or four times, as required.
Apple Cider Vinegar:
Apple cider vinegar is packed with therapeutic properties promoting skin healing. The vinegar is rich in acetic components of medications such as Aspirin. This is why it is a great remedy for sunburn symptoms like pain, itching, and inflammation.
And there are many ways to use apple cider vinegar for sunburn…
- Apply white vinegar to the sunburned areas using cotton balls
- Take apple cider vinegar and cool water in equal amounts. Dab large cotton balls in the solution and place them over the affected areas. Remove them once they are dried.
- Add one cup of apple cider vinegar to the bathtub filled with lukewarm water. Take a soak in this water for nearly 30 minutes. It helps you restore the pH balance of sunburn-affected skin. Plus, it boosts healing. Use it daily to see improvement.
(Caution: Avoid using apple cider vinegar on broken skin for injury or abrasions)
Baking Soda:
Baking soda is an effective remedy for painful sunburn, thanks to its alkaline properties. As an added bonus, it is high on antiseptic properties to ease itchy sensations. Here is an easy recipe to use baking soda for your sunburns.
Take one cup of baking soda and add it to the bathtub filled with cold water. Stir well. Soak in the water for nearly half an hour. Later, pat dry with a clean towel. Repeat this bath daily till you achieve complete healing.
You can also use baking soda as a paste. Just add enough water to 4 tbsp. of the soda to make the paste. Apply the paste to the sunburn-affected parts of the body. Leave it for 15 minutes and wash it off with lukewarm water.
Cold Compress:
A cold compress is a simple and effective way to soothe sunburned skin, reduce redness, and alleviate discomfort. It is the best thing for sunburn if you don’t have other remedies around you.
And it is easy to make the one.
Fill a bowl or basin with cold water. You can add ice cubes to make the water even colder, but ensure it’s not too cold to avoid any frostbite-like skin damage. Immerse the cloth or paper towel in the cold water. Let it soak for a few seconds until it’s thoroughly saturated.
Gently squeeze the cloth to remove any excess water. You want it to be wet but not dripping. Carefully place the cold, damp cloth on the sunburned area. Hold it there for 15-20 minutes. You can repeat this process several times a day, as needed, for relief. Make sure the cloth remains damp during each application.
If you’re using ice cubes, it’s a good idea to place them in a sealable plastic bag or wrap them in a cloth. Direct contact with ice on sunburned skin can be too harsh and potentially damage your skin.
Cucumbers:
Cucumbers are a natural remedy for painful sunburn. These hydrating vegetables contain high water content, vitamins, and antioxidants that can provide relief from the discomfort of sunburn. Simply slice a cucumber and apply the cool, soothing slices directly to the affected areas.
The cucumber’s moisture and anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce redness, calm irritation, and promote healing. For an extra refreshing effect, you can also refrigerate the cucumber slices before use. Cucumbers are a gentle and natural way to ease the pain and heat of sunburn, making them a valuable addition to your sunburn relief toolkit.
Try Sunburn Drink:
You can also consume Sunburn Drink to speed up your healing.
This special drink has vitamins and antioxidants that are good for your skin.
It’s not like regular sunburn creams – it works from the inside out, giving your body the nutrients it needs to heal and fight the sun’s damage. It’s a unique solution to sunburn recovery that you won’t find anywhere else.
So you must have understood how to treat a painful sunburn. Make sure to get medical attention if nothing works. Get in touch with us!
