What is Sunburn?
Sunburn happens when the skin is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial methods for tanning. This exposure damages the skin cells, leading to inflammation, pain, redness, and sometimes blistering. The severity of a sunburn depends on factors such as the intensity of the UV radiation, the duration of exposure, and an individual’s skin type.
Fair-skinned individuals are more affected, but anyone can get sunburned. Immediate effects include discomfort and potential peeling as the skin heals and the long term risks include premature aging of the skin and an increased likelihood of skin cancer. Protecting the skin with sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure during peak UV times can prevent sunburn and its associated health risks.
Burn Types:
- First degree burn
- Reddish skin
- Second degree burn
- Blisters
- Third degree burn
- Extensive burn (mostly requires emergency medical aid)
Common Causes:
- Excessive exposure to sun
- Due to direct skin contact with hot substance
- Exposure to UV radiation such as tanning
4 Easy Natural Home Remedies for Soothing Sunburn:
Using natural remedies to alleviate sunburn can give several benefits, primarily because they often contain soothing, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties without the harsh chemicals found in some commercial products. Aloe vera is widely used for its cooling effect and can reduce pain and inflammation while promoting healing due to its vitamin E and antioxidants. Applying cooled green tea bags or cucumber slices can provide relief thanks to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds.
Honey can serve as a natural antiseptic, reducing the risk of infection which can also hydrate the skin. Oatmeal baths are another soothing option, known for their ability to calm itchy, irritated skin. These natural remedies are gentle to the skin, reducing the likelihood of further irritation or allergic reactions. While these remedies can significantly help with mild sunburn, severe cases might still require medical attention.
- Apply Aloe Vera gel or Ointment in affected area
- Soaking the wound in running cool water for a long period.
- A cool compress placed over the burn area helps with the pain. Apply the compress for approximately 10 minutes intervals
- Applying Honey in affected area. Honey has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.
Natural food Supplements for fast healing:
- Vitamin B Complex
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin C
- Food that are rich in above mentioned Vitamins
- Drink plenty of clean water and herbal tea
Vitamin B Complex rich food:
- Potato, with skin, cooked
- Sweet potato, with skin, cooked
- Carrot juice
- Balsam-pear/bitter gourd, bitter melon, cooked
- Banana
- Durian
- Prune juice
- Avocado
Grain Products - Wheat bran
- Cereal
- Oatmeal, instant, cooked
- Milk and Alternatives This food group contains very little of this nutrient.
- Legumes (dried beans, peas and lentils)
- Chickpeas/garbanzo beans, cooked
- Soybeans, mature, cooked
- Beans, pinto, cooked
- Lentils, cooked
- Nuts and Seeds
- Pistachios, without shell
- Sunflower seeds, without shell
Vitamin E rich food:
- Spinach
- Dandelion greens, raw
- Tomato sauce
- Swiss chard, cooked
- Turnip greens, cooked
- Pepper, red
- Avocado
- Grains Products
- Cereal, wheat germ, toasted
- Milk and Alternatives
- Nuts and Seeds
- Almonds
- Sunflower seeds
- Hazelnuts
- Peanuts
- Pine nuts
- Brazil nuts
Vitamin C rich food:
- Peppers
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Brussels sprouts
- Cauliflower
- Kale
- Potato
- Bok Choy
- Sweet potato
- Asparagus
- Turnip greens
- Tomato
- Guava
- Papaya
- Kiwifruit
- Orange
- Lychee
- Strawberries
- Pineapple
- Grapefruit
- Clementine
- Cantaloupe
- Mango
- Avocado
- Tangerine
- Grain Products
- Milk and Alternatives
Natural remedies provide a gentle and effective approach to healing sunburn. The natural anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties of ingredients like aloe vera, cucumber, honey, and oatmeal, you can soothe the skin, reduce discomfort, and speed up the healing process. These remedies not only alleviate symptoms but also minimize the risk of additional irritation that might come from chemical products.
choosing natural solutions can contribute to a more sustainable practice, benefiting both your health and the environment. While these home treatments can be highly beneficial for mild to moderate sunburns, it’s important to remember that severe cases might need professional medical intervention to avoid complications like infection or prolonged skin damage.
NOTE: Natural Remedies are NOT a substitute for proper doctor’s diagnosis or medication. It may or may not have medicinal properties that treat or cure the disease or ailment in question.