Almost everyone has at least one memory of an unpleasant sunburn. Whether you've personally suffered from it or know of a close family member or friend that has, the symptoms can potentially consist of everything from red hot skin either tender or painful to touch to blistering or peeling of the skin.
As just about anyone who may have experienced severe sunburn will certainly attest to, the length of time spent getting the sunburn, is relatively short (15 minutes on average) when compared to the length of time that can be spent suffering the painful consequences (up to three weeks per some experts).
Based on the severity of the burn, pain and extreme discomfort could remain a problem for a number of days after the exposure. Meanwhile, your body's own natural defense systems are hard at work to help your skin heal and recover from the prolonged UV exposure.
Unless the symptoms are severe, (then of course you might want to consider medical care), here are 5 simple do-it-yourself solutions that are likely to cost you pocket change, and which could simplify soothing the sting and discomfort of sunburn:
1. Cool Shower or Bath Method: - Soaking in a cool bath tub or standing under a gentle, cool shower is one of the most effective ways to draw heat from the skin and alleviate the pain and discomfort of sunburn (avoid using cold temperature bathwater because it could potentially cause your body to go into shock).
Allow me to share a few other things to add to your baths for further relief:
i. Put in 10-12 drops or so of essential oil (chamomile or perhaps lavender) to the bath water. Immerse the affected areas for 15 minutes or until relief is felt.
ii. Adding baking soda (or oatmeal) to a lukewarm bath is also able to relieve sunburn pain. In order for this treatment method to be most useful, try to ensure sure that all irritated areas are submerged. Bath water may be poured over your entire body by using your hands or even a soft washcloth. Irritated facial areas may be gently dabbed using the cloth, or alternately you may also splash water directly onto your face. After soaking, lightly pat the skin dry with a soft towel (preferably 100 % cotton). If you've taken an oatmeal bath, try letting the light coating of oatmeal that clings to your skin remain.
iii. Adding vinegar to the bath water can certainly help in taking the sting from sunburn.
2. Rubbing alcohol: - Primarily because it evaporates quickly, dabbing on rubbing alcohol will begin to cool and relieve the painfulness of sunburned skin.
3. Vinegar: - Vinegar is an effective and cooling treatment for sunburn. Drench your clean cotton towels with it and gently apply to the irritated areas. Alternately you can fill a spray bottle and spray it directly on the skin as needed.
4. The Egg White Remedy: - If your sunburn is painfully hot, separating the white from the yolk of an egg, and spreading the white over the affected area will help to cool the burning quickly. This may be repeated as many times as needed.
5. Potatoes: - Potatoes may also be helpful to relieve the painfulness of sunburn. Grab two medium-sized potatoes and thoroughly clean them. Cut them into small bite-sized chunks and place in a blender to liquefy. (In the event that the result appears too dry, add some water). Pat the affected areas with potato juice. Allow to completely dry. Rinse the residue off in a cool (not cold) shower or bath.
Please bear in mind that along with producing different degrees of discomfort and pain, prolonged sun exposure and sunburn can accelerate the aging process and more than likely increase the risks associated with cataracts and skin cancer.
Prevention therefore should be considered as being a more effective method than treatment!
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