I. Introduction
Summertime is loved by all, but so is the painful sunburn that comes with it. It is painful, itchy, and often accompanied by peeling skin. Sunburn is an acute inflammation of the skin caused by overexposure to UV radiation from the sun. In this article, we will explore how to help soothe the skin after a sunburn, dos and don’ts for sunburn treatment, the best over-the-counter products for sunburn, nutrition tips for fast healing of sunburn, and how to prevent it from happening again.
II. 5 Natural Remedies to Soothe Your Sunburn
Natural remedies are always the best option to help soothe your skin after sunburn as they are natural and devoid of harsh chemicals. Some natural remedies include:
A. Aloe Vera
Pure aloe vera gel is a tried and tested remedy to help relieve sunburn pain and inflammation. Apply a generous amount of the aloe vera gel onto the sunburned area and let it sit for some time to get the body to absorb the soothing properties of the aloe vera. Repeat on an hourly basis to ease pain effectively.
B. Cool Compresses
Cool compresses are also effective in reducing pain and inflammation of sunburnt skin. Apply a cold, damp towel to the sunburned area for 10-15 minutes, a few times a day, to help soothe the skin.
C. Oatmeal Baths
Oatmeal has anti-inflammatory properties that may help ease sunburn symptoms such as itching and inflammation. Add uncooked oatmeal to your bath and soak for 15-20 minutes for relief.
D. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has natural anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties. Apply the oil onto the skin to help reduce inflammation and soothe the pain.
E. Witch Hazel
Witch Hazel, a natural astringent, can be beneficial for sunburned skin. Soak a cloth or cotton ball in witch hazel and dab it on the sunburned areas of your skin. Be careful not to get the witch hazel in your eyes, mouth, or nose, as it will cause irritation.
Remember to take precautions when using natural remedies to avoid further irritation. Always use a clean cloth, towel, or cotton ball while applying any home remedies to prevent infection.
III. Dos and Don’ts of Sunburn Treatment
Sunburn is a severe condition and should be treated with care. Improper treatment usually leads to further problems such as infection. Here are the Dos and Don’ts to keep in mind while treating sunburnt skin:
A. The Dos
– Take cool showers or baths to relieve pain.
– Apply moisturizer to prevent peeling and itching.
– Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
– Take over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve pain and reduce swelling and inflammation.
B. The Don’ts
– Do not use ice cold water to shower or bath as it will cause more damage to the skin.
– Avoid using products with harsh chemicals or fragrances that can further irritate the skin.
– Do not pop any blisters, as it may cause an infection and slow down the healing process.
– Do not expose the skin to the sun while it is still healing, as it may cause further damage to the skin.
IV. The Best Over-the-Counter Products for Sunburn
Over-the-counter products are fast and easy remedies to help soothe the skin after a sunburn. Here are some products that might effectively help treat your sunburn:
A. Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera gel is an age-old remedy to help soothe and cool down burnt skin. Aloe vera gel is effective in reducing pain and inflammation and helps to promote fast healing.
B. Hydrocortisone Cream
Hydrocortisone cream is a steroid cream that reduces inflammation, itching, and redness caused by sunburn. It is easily available in pharmacies and should be applied as directed by a doctor or pharmacist.
C. Lidocaine Spray or Gel
Lidocaine spray or gel has a numbing effect on the skin and can reduce pain and discomfort after sunburn. Lidocaine products can be purchased without a prescription from most drug stores or can be prescribed by a doctor.
D. Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen
Taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce pain and inflammation. It is recommended to take them as prescribed by your doctor (or follow the instructions on the bottle).
V. What to Eat and Drink to Heal Sunburn
A healthy diet can help speed up the sunburn healing process. Here are some tips on what to eat and drink during this time:
A. Antioxidant-Rich Foods
Antioxidant-rich foods such as blueberries, strawberries, and leafy greens can help prevent skin damage resulting from sunburn and promote fast healing.
B. Foods High in Vitamin C
Foods that are high in vitamin C like oranges, grapefruits, or lemons, can help to produce collagen, an essential component for maintaining a healthy skin. It helps to strengthen the skin and repair damage caused by sunburn.
C. Hydration
It is essential to keep the body hydrated by drinking plenty of water and other fluids. This will help the skin to heal faster and reduce the overall dryness and peeling of the skin. Sunburned skin needs moisture, so keeping the body hydrated is crucial during this time.
VI. Tips for Preventing Sunburn in the First Place
Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some tips to help prevent sunburn:
A. Stay in the Shade
Avoid the sun during peak hours (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.), which intensify the UV radiation levels.
B. Wear Protective Clothing
Wear loose-fitting clothing that covers the arms and legs, hats, and sunglasses to protect the skin from direct sunlight.
C. Apply Sunscreen
Always apply sunscreen lotion, with a minimum SPF of 30, at least 30 minutes before exposure to the sunlight, and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
VII. Conclusion
Sunburn can be a painful and uncomfortable experience. Effective treatment relies on a variety of natural remedies, over-the-counter products, and proper nutrition. If the sunburn is severe, it is best to seek medical assistance. With the proper precautions and care, it is possible to prevent sunburn and enjoy the summer season safely.
