Prolonged exposure to the sun without protection can have a significant impact on our skin, not only in the long term by increasing the appearance of spots, premature wrinkles, and the possibility of suffering from skin conditions such as melanoma or carcinoma, but also immediately causing significant burns to the dermis.
Although it is a common situation that seems harmless, the burns produced by the sun are similar to those that occur from fire or hot substances and can be of the first and second degree; only in rare cases do they reach the third degree and require urgent medical attention. If your skin suffers the consequences of excessive exposure and is red and sore, in this FastlyHealarticle, we provide you with some home remedies for sunburn that will help your dermis recover soon.
Table of Contents
Why does sunburn occur?
Sunlight is essential for the development of life on earth, but excess ultraviolet rays on skin that have not been adequately protected are very harmful. Sunburns occur when such rays strike over a long period on our skin, causing a similar reaction to when we can have our dermis comes into contact with something scorching. This reaction is exacerbated in high temperatures or high altitude environments, where the sun beats down with greater intensity.
The dermis becomes red, burns, inflamed, and very sensitive, and blisters may appear. As the days go by, it may end up peeling, a sign of regeneration that indicates that we have exceeded the sun. This habit favors the appearance of spots in the dermis and premature wrinkles and increases the risk of skin cancer, so it is essential to always protect the skin with cream of at least 30 SPF.
But how to act when the damage has already been done? We give you some homemade solutions that will help you feel a quick relief in the following lines.
Baths or compresses with oatmeal to hydrate the dermis
Oatmeal is an ideal ingredient to deeply hydrate the skin while reducing symptoms such as burning and inflammation in the dermis. It is a natural treatment frequently used to treat other skin conditions such as shingles or chickenpox.
The baths or compressed oatmeal will help soothe the discomfort and nourish your dermis. To make this home remedy for sunburn, you need:
- 2 cups rolled oats or oatmeal
- Mixer or blender
- 1 liter of milk or water (only if you will use it as compresses)
Start by mashing the 2 cups of oatmeal with the blender or mixer until it is like a powder. If you opt for oatmeal compresses, it is best to apply them in the shower; for this, you must soak the two cups of cereal in a liter of water or cold milk for 15 minutes, then apply at the end of the bath with the help of a soft gauze in the affected area. Leave on for a few minutes, and rinse with fresh water and bath salt.
If you prefer to use this remedy in the bathtub, place the crushed oats in a cloth or gauze and knot it; leave it in the bathtub and fill it with warm or freshwater to release their properties. Ensure that the water is not cold, or it could cause a shock, or too hot, or increase the discomfort. Soak in this mixture for 15 minutes.
You can repeat this procedure 2 or 3 times a day.
Excellent body lotion for quick relief
This home remedy for sunburn is quick and straightforward, working very well on minor injuries. Put your usual body lotion in the fridge and let it cool down well; then, after bathing, apply the fresh cream to your skin, significantly reducing burning and discomfort.
You should leave the cream in the refrigerator and apply it to your skin three times a day to help keep it nourished and hydrated and speed up recovery.
Aloe vera gel ideas for burns!
Aloe vera is full of medicinal and cosmetic uses, but without a doubt, one of the most common is the treatment of burns. To take advantage of this plant for this purpose, you will have to cut a piece of leaf, open it horizontally in the middle and remove the gel or pulp inside. Then apply it directly to the affected area to improve discomfort.
Due to its content of vitamin C and E, antioxidants, and hydrating properties, this is a great solution to relieve the burning and discomfort of your dermis. You can apply it 3 or 4 times a day.
Cold compresses to soothe your skin.
There are also simpler alternatives that seek to reduce burning and inflammation of the skin by refreshing and nourishing it, which will promote a faster recovery. For this, there are several home remedies for sunburn that you can put into practice:
- Coldwater cloths: apply cold water compresses 3 or 4 times a day to the affected areas for 15 minutes, changing them when warmed up.
- Fabrics soaked in cold milk: instead of water, you can opt for cold milk, which in addition to relieving discomfort, will help you hydrate and nourish the skin. Apply 3 or 4 times a day.
- Cold chamomile compresses: due to its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, this plant is ideal for reducing pain and discomfort on the skin. Apply fresh chamomile compresses to the dermis 3 or 4 times a day.
Cornstarch or talcum powder to reduce the effect of rubbing
When our skin is burned by the sun, wearing a bra, tight pants or even underwear can become torture. The friction that these garments cause in the burned area can be very painful, so to avoid it, you can apply talcum powder or cornstarch to the area several times a day, which softens the area and reduces discomfort.
Potato slices on the skin
Potato is a trendy home remedy used to relieve burns; this is because this ingredient is ideal for absorbing heat and hydrating the skin, significantly reducing discomfort. You have to apply potato slices to the burned area for 15 minutes; when they are hot, change them for fresher ones. Apply this solution three times a day.
Vinegar bank to soothe pain and redness
As long as there are no open injuries or wounds on the skin, white vinegar can be a great solution to combat the pain and burning caused by sunburn. You can add a jet of white vinegar to your bathtub or apply compresses of this fresh product on the skin. Leave for 15 minutes, stirring each time the compress is heated to place a cooler one.
You can apply up to 5 times a day.
Drink a lot of water!
Among the home remedies for sunburn, hydration is essential. When our skin is excessively exposed to ultraviolet rays, it not only burns but also dehydrates, which can also cause a general lack of hydration. To keep the skin and body moisturized, it is essential to increase your fluid intake, consuming between 2 and 3 liters of water a day.
This will help you heal faster, so don’t forget.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Home remedies for sunburn, we recommend that you enter our Skin, hair and nails category .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.