Sunburn Treatment: How to Get Relief After Severe Exposure

Sunburn Treatment: How to Get Relief After Severe Exposure




Over exposure to the sun can lead to skin damage and severe sunburn. Depending on the degree of the burn, it can also lead to blister occurrences, sun poisoning or even cancer like melanoma. The best way to prevent sunburn is to stay out of the sun. However, this is not realistic for many people. So, if you can’t avoid the sun you need to learn how to protect yourself from getting too much exposure. Some people simply use a daily moisturizer which includes SPF protection. However, if you find your are too late and are dealing with the after effects of sun exposure, there are things you can do for relief.







Home Remedy Options For Sunburn Treatment

One of the oldest home remedies for sunburn treatment is the application of aloe vera to burned areas. People have been using the gel of the aloe vera plant for many years on burns, rashes and other skin problems. It can be a great way to soothe the burned area and provide relief for the patient. While you can certainly grow your own aloe vera plant to have on hand if a burn occurs at home, you can now get aloe vera in gel form bottled at your local drugstore or general merchandise store. Be sure to look for the 100% aloe vera variety so you’ll know you are getting an all natural treatment. Apply it as often as you’d like for instant and long term relief and treatment of sunburn.

In addition to aloe vera, for years people have been using vinegar to relief the discomfort associated with sunburn. They simply rub it onto the skin and leave it for at least 12 hours. It is supposed to help with the pain, swelling, itching or peeling that comes with being sunburned.



Although it sounds quite simple, many people prefer to simply place cool compresses on their sunburns. They feel it provides easy and natural relief. Ice is not usually recommended for use in this way but cool water compresses can be very helpful.



Over The Counter Medications For Sunburn

If you need instant relief from sunburn, you can also seek out over the counter medications, such as Solarcaine. Solarcaine and similar products can often be found in lotions, gels or sprays. They contain Lidocaine which is a numbing agent that blocks nerve signals to the body. It is often used on sunburns, minor cuts, burns, insect bites and even at the dentist. Solarcaine can be found with aloe included in it, but it’s not as natural as the 100% aloe vera gel mentioned above. However, it will certainly numb the burn and give instant relief. Be sure to read the instructions on this product however, because an overdose or overuse can be dangerous to your health.



Remember, as you are recovering from a sunburn to get plenty of fluids as well. Your skin is dehydrated and your body will need extra water to maintain your other areas of the body as well as to re-hydrate your burned skin. Also, be sure to stay out of the sun until your skin is completely healed. When you do go back into the sun be sure you are completely protected with clothing or sunblock so you don’t find yourself in the same situation again.