Home remedies for sunburn

Staying under the effects of the sun for a long period of time without adequate protection makes it easier for ultraviolet radiation to penetrate the cells that make up our skin, damaging and destroying their DNA. But why does this happen?

Our skin and the sun

Melanin absorbs ultraviolet radiation to prevent it from damaging cells, our skin, when detecting an increase in radiation, increases the production of melanin to protect itself from it, therefore the longer we are under the sun’s rays, the darker the tone of our skin.

However, the skin does not have the ability to increase melanin production as quickly as necessary to avoid sunburn . Specialists recommend the use of protective creams to avoid diseases derived from prolonged exposure to the sun.

In places where solar radiation is less, the skin reduces the production of melanin since it needs the sun’s rays to produce vitamin D, essential for the proper functioning of the body. An excessive production of melanin would not let in the sunlight necessary for the production of this vitamin, as a consequence the color of the skin adapts to the light conditions in which it lives.

Sunburns are a response of the immune system. When the sun damages the DNA of a cell, it commits suicide since it can become carcinogenic if it reproduces with damaged DNA. In response, the body sends blood to the affected part with the intention of repairing the cellular damage caused, as a consequence we see the redness of the skin. Inflammation is caused by healthy cells to get rid of damaged cells.

The effects caused by sunburn disappear after a few days, as long as they are not serious, but they can become very irritating and painful. If this is your case, we advise you to continue reading some home remedies that will help alleviate the symptoms and help in the cell regeneration process.

Home remedies for sunburn

Oatmeal

Let a handful of powdered oatmeal sit for 15 minutes in a bowl of cold milk. With the help of gauze, apply the result on the reddened areas, let the skin absorb it and after about 15 minutes remove it with water.

You can also wrap the oatmeal in a cloth and leave it in the bathtub while it fills with water. Wait a few minutes for the oatmeal to release its properties and soak the affected part for about 15 minutes.

Alternate both methods two to three times a day if the discomfort persists. You will notice that oatmeal hydrates the skin reducing the burning sensation and inflammation.

Body lotion

Let your body lotion cool in the fridge or freezer for a while and when it is cold apply it on the affected area. It is a simple and very practical home remedy, the body lotion will keep the area hydrated and you can repeat the procedure 3 or 4 times a day. The low temperature of the lotion will give you quick relief from burning sunburn .

Aloe vera

Aloe vera contains vitamins A, C and E among others and, in addition, it contains moisturizing properties, antioxidants and helps skin cell regeneration. It is not surprising that we can find a wide list of natural remedies based on this plant.

If you have an Aloe vera plant nearby, cut one of its leaves and apply the gel it contains inside on the burned parts. You can cut the leaf lengthwise to extract the gel carefully or spread it directly using the blade as a brush, make cuts on it so that the aloe vera is oozing.

Cold compresses

Cold compresses can help refresh and nourish skin that has been affected by the sun.

Dampen some cloths with cold water, spread them on the skin and change them when they reach skin temperature. You can replace the water with cold milk and in this way, you will be hydrating and nourishing the skin. You can apply it 3 or 4 times a day.

If you have chamomile at home, follow the same procedure as before. Chamomile contains anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that will help reduce skin pain.

Cornstarch or talcum powder

If the skin is very sensitive due to sunburn, the rubbing of clothing on the inflamed area may be annoying, in this case talcum powder can help reduce friction. Repeat this action as many times as you need.

Do not forget to consume plenty of water, our skin is the largest organism in our body and the cells that give it its shape are mainly made up of water. After a prolonged stay under the effects of the sun, the cells of our body need water in order to regenerate.

Coconut oil

Another of the natural ingredients that work best to treat burns caused by sun rays. The coconut oil contains fatty acids and also has a high fiber content as well as vitamins and minerals. This ingredient has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, making it very effective in preventing any type of infection, while relieving irritation.

You simply have to apply 100% natural coconut oil on the burned area. It will help you hydrate it as it heals faster.

Tomato

Tomato has healing and moisturizing properties , which is why it is a natural ingredient widely used to treat sunburns because it is very effective in combating dry skin.

To apply this home remedy you just have to cut several tomato slices and place them directly on the burns. You will feel a sense of immediate relief.

Cold water

It is one of the most effective and at the same time simplest home remedies to treat sunburn; cold water works very well to alleviate the usual discomforts that these types of burns generate.

You just have to soak compresses in cold water and place them on the burns; so that the cold is not lost, it is best to soak the compresses every few minutes. At no time should you apply ice directly to burned skin because it can significantly worsen the infection.

Home care

There are a series of care that you can take at home if you suffer from a sunburn and that help significantly to minimize symptoms.

On the one hand, taking a cold bath or shower is most comforting. If at any time you feel a great itch or heat sensation, you can also place cotton rags soaked in cold water on the burn.

On the other hand, it is recommended that you forget about synthetic garments and bet on loose clothing and cotton ; if it is 100% organic, much better.

And finally, it is very important that you drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration . The ideal is to drink two liters of water daily, accompanied by fruits and vegetables with a high water content, such as watermelon or melon, for example.

Tips to avoid sunburn

There are a number of tips to remember to avoid sunburn as much as possible during spring and summer.

• Sun protection cream: it is essential that you use a sun protection cream with a factor that suits both a tone and your skin type. These creams protect from the UVB and UVA rays of the sun. Ideally, apply the cream around half an hour before sun exposure, and use it even on cloudy days. After the first application, it is advisable to apply the sun protection cream every two hours.
• Lip balm: the lips are one of the most sensitive areas of the body, so it is essential to use a specific lip balm that protects the lips from the sun.
• Hat and sunglasses: both are 100% recommended accessories during spring and summer. The hat protects the face from the sun, while the glasses prevent UVB and UVA rays from damaging the eyes.
• Central hours of the day: if you want to sunbathe during spring and summer, it is convenient that you do so avoiding the central hours of the day; that is, from 12:00 to 16:00. During that time interval the sun’s rays are more intense.

Risk factors for sunburn

When it comes to suffering from sunburns, there are a number of risk factors that make them more likely. Next we review what they are.

• Children: infants and children are the population group most susceptible to sunburn. In the case of babies, it is advisable not to expose them directly to the sun until they have reached at least six months. From that age on, a series of basic precautions must be taken, such as sunscreen, cotton and light-colored clothing, a cap and sunglasses …
• Fair-skinned people: Of course, fair-skinned people are most likely to get sunburned. However, people with dark skin, and even black ones, can also get burned, so they must be adequately protected.
• Central hours of the day: the sun’s rays are most intense during the central hours of the day, that is, from 12:00 to 16:00. It is worth remembering that the effect of water or sand can significantly intensify the UVB and UVA rays of the sun.
• Medications: People who are consuming certain medications, such as doxicillin, are more susceptible to sunburn.
• Diseases: also some conditions such as lupus make people who suffer from them more susceptible to suffering this type of burns.

Degrees of sunburn

In the vast majority of cases, the burns produced by the sun’s rays are of the first degree, which are characterized by redness, swelling and pain ; they do not usually last more than three days.

However, second-degree burns may also occur, in which the characteristic blisters appear. In a period of approximately ten days the skin regenerates.

Special attention must be paid to skin cancer. One of the main causes of this condition is prolonged and intense exposure to solar radiation without adequate protection.

Symptoms of a sunburn

The symptoms of sunburn are very easy to identify, which is a great advantage because it allows us to detect the condition and remedy it in its initial phase. Generally, the first warning signs of a burn of this type usually appear a few hours after exposure to the sun.

The most common symptom is reddened skin that is very hot to the touch ; In addition, some blisters may appear. As the days go by, the skin begins to peel in the sunburned areas. Sunburns sometimes cause great pain and a very intense burning sensation.

There are a number of red flags to watch out for; if they occur, it is important to contact the doctor immediately: dizziness, rapid breathing, feeling of extreme thirst, pale skin, nausea, fever and very painful and large blisters.

All the symptoms of this type of burns are temporary since in the vast majority of cases they do not last more than two or three days. However, damage to skin cells is sometimes permanent, which can promote the development of diseases such as skin cancer in the long term.