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Natural Sunburn Cure


 
 
You know that UV exposure can cause skin to age quickly and trigger skin cancer, but despite your best efforts to protect your skin from sun damage with sunscreen, you've gotten this painful, itching, and swelling sunburn. Try these home solutions recommended by experts to quell the discomfort and reverse the day's rays.


1. Use compresses
Following a burn, skin is inflamed. Get sunburn relief with compresses dipped in any of the following substances.
  • Cold water. Use either plain water from the faucet or add a few ice cubes, says Michael Schreiber, MD. Dip a cloth into the liquid and lay it over the burn. Repeat every few minutes as the cloth warms. Apply several times a day for a total of 10 to 15 minutes each.
  • Aluminum acetate. If itching is intense, says Thomas Gossel, PhD, RPh, try mixing Domeboro's powder packets with water. The aluminum acetate in the powder keeps skin from getting too dry or itchy. Follow package directions.
  • Witch hazel. Moisten a cloth with witch hazel, says Fredric Haberman, MD. This incredible astringent has been shown to have long-lasting anti-inflammatory relief. Apply often for temporary relief. For smaller areas, dip cotton balls into the liquid and gently wipe on.

2. Apply these foods
Common kitchen staples can be great sunburn soothers.

  • Fat-free milk. Mix 1 cup fat-free milk with 4 cups water, then add a few ice cubes. Apply compresses for 15 to 20 minutes; repeat every 2 to 4 hours.
  • Cornstarch. Add enough water to cornstarch to make a paste. Apply directly to the sunburn.
  • Lettuce. Boil lettuce leaves in water. Strain, then let the liquid cool several hours in the refrigerator. Dip cotton balls into the liquid and gently press or wipe onto irritated skin.
  • Yogurt. Apply yogurt to all sunburned areas. Rinse off in a cool shower, then gently pat skin dry.
  • Tea bags. If your eyelids are burned, apply tea bags soaked in cool water to decrease swelling and help relieve pain. Tea has tannic acid, which seems to ease sunburn pain.

3. Avoid soap
Don't make it worse! Soap can dry and irritate skin with a sunburn.
Do not soak in soapy water. Likewise, stay away from bubble baths.



4. Memorize these rules
  • Apply a sunscreen about 30 minutes before going out, even if it's overcast. (Harmful rays can penetrate cloud cover.) Don't forget to protect your lips , hands, ears, and the back of your neck. Reapply as necessary after swimming or perspiring heavily.
  • Pick a sunscreen with an SPF between 15 and 30. Sunscreens with SPF 15 protect against 94% of the sun's harmful rays, and those with SPF 30 protect against 97%. Also look for the ingredients zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or avobenzone in your sunscreen. These block both ultraviolet A and B rays.
  • Take extra care between the hours of 10 AM and 3 PM (11 AM and 4:00 PM, daylight saving time), when the sun is at its strongest.
  • Wear protective clothing. Hats, tightly woven fabrics, and long sleeves help keep the sun off your skin.


5.Shop for the right skin care

Filter all the choices at the drugstore by looking for these key healers.
  • Relieve with hydrocortisone: Soothe skin irritation and inflammation with a topical lotion, spray, or ointment containing 1% hydrocortisone, such as Cortaid or Cortizone-10, says Dr. Basler.
  • Soothe with aloe: "We're starting to see evidence in medical literature that aloe vera may really help wound healing," says Dr. Basler. Simply break off a leaf and apply the juice. But test a small area first, he cautions, to make sure you're not allergic to aloe.
  • Guard against infection: If you have an infection or are worried that one will develop, use an OTC antibacterial ointment such as Polysporin or Neosporin, says Dr. Schreiber.
  • Numb with an anesthetic: If your burn is mild, an OTC anesthetic can relieve pain and itching, says Dr. Gossel. Look for brands that contain benzocaine, benzyl alcohol, lidocaine, or diphenhydramine hydrochloride. Aerosols are easier to apply than creams or ointments, but never spray them directly onto your face. Instead, put some on a piece of gauze or a cotton pad and pat it on your face to avoid contact with your eyes.

AND OF COURCE DRINK ALOT OF WATER

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