The sun is a vital source of vitamin D and keeps the skin looking young and healthy. It is also extremely beneficial to the bones, making them strong and sturdy. Insufficient or inadequate exposure to sunlight could result in pale, clammy looking skin as well as diseases as severe as rickets. However, too much exposure to the sun is harmful to the tender skin of the human body. It could cause various problems, the most common and obvious one being sunburn. Sunburn is characterized by a reddening of the skin after prolonged exposure to sunlight. The signs and symptoms of sunburn are not immediate and they could take a while to appear, but will definitely surface within a period of 24 hours after exposure to the ultraviolet rays of the sun. Many people, especially people who have fairer skin tones think its “cool” to sport suntans. Little do they realize that they are putting themselves in harm’s way by over-exposing themselves to the harsh rays of the sun



When the skin is overexposed to the ultra violet rays from the scorching sun, sunburn is caused. Other sources of ultra violet rays like welding arcs, tanning lamps can also cause sunburn. It can cause skin cancer. Sunburn should never be taken lightly because it may even lead to death or permanent disability. Fair people are at greater risk as compared to dark people.



Sunburn can get extremely painful and uncomfortable, even the mildest case, so much so that even the thought of touching one’s own skin might seem like unbearable torture. Well, a seemingly harmless “tan” can actually do just that! It could inadvertently result in first or second degree burns. Therefore, sunburn is in fact a serious condition and must not be taken lightly. You are better off if you attempt to prevent sunburn rather than racking your brain about what to do for sunburn. However, you do not need to fret. Through this article, you get to know of the various sunburn remedies that will not only provide sunburn relief but will also show you how to get rid of sunburn effectively.

Skin may Become Red and Tender

As mentioned earlier, symptoms of sunburn are not quick to surface. These would include an obvious reddening of the skin accompanied by sunburn blisters and sunburn peeling.



Generally symptoms of sunburn take some time to appear. The skin may become red and tender. It is warm to the touch. After some hours or days blisters may develop on the skin. All this may be followed by peeling of the skin after few days. Some other symptoms of sunburn are fever, chill, nausea, vomiting, rash, flu and skin loss.



It is important to note that although the symptoms of sunburn such as the reddening, blisters and peeling of the skin are relatively temporary; their effects are generally long lasting. It can cause permanent skin damage and in extreme cases lead to skin cancer.



In the event that you experience major/serious symptoms of sunburn that do not seem to respond to the home remedies, it is best to visit your health care expert immediately so as to avoid future complications. When should you visit a physician? If you do experience any of the symptoms mentioned below, you need medical attention immediately.



• Sunburn accompanied by fever



• Palpitation



• Eye pain accompanied by sensitivity to light



• Feeling nauseous and giddy



• Skin is clammy, cool and visibly pale



• Blisters that are extremely painful and severe



• Feeling very thirsty, however, poor urine output.


Sunburn Symptoms, Causes, Remedy and Diet

Ultraviolet Rays

Melanin in our skin protects the skin from harmful ultra violet rays. But when the amount of exposure to ultra violet rays exceeds the ability of melanin to protect the skin, it results in sunburn. The skin is more exposed to scorching sun while working outdoors, swimming, skiing, and hiking and hence chances of sunburn increase. Certain factors like consumption of birth control pills and antibacterial agents used in soaps make our skin more prone to sunburn.



Other factors that could result in sunburn include exposure to sun lamps and other sources of UV rays. Certain medications could also render you more vulnerable to sunburn, for instance, an antibiotic named doxycycline.

Sunburn Causes

One very obvious cause for sunburn is over-exposure to the ultraviolet rays of the sun. We refer to it as over-exposure because it exceeds the body’s ability to withstand the UV rays. This means that the protective pigment called melanin which protects the skin from these harmful rays has exhausted its ability to do so.

Sunburn home remedies and natural cures, Questions and answers

Remedies for Burnt Skin

Apply aloe vera or vinegar on the affected skin; it will stop inflammation and pain. Avoid products made from benzocaine, lidocaine and petroleum jelly. Rub mustard oil on the affected skin and allow to it dry, this will take out the heat from the skin. Cut fresh cucumber slices and rub them on the affected area. Before taking bath, add some baking powder to the bath water, this will help to soothe the burnt skin. Apply lavender oil or peppermint oil on the burnt skin. Apply apple cider vinegar to the burnt skin using cotton ball. Take herbal bath; put few drops of chamomile and lavender essential oils in bath water. Take epsom salt or ice compress. Grate some potatoes and apply them on the burnt skin. Starch from the potatoes will soothe the burn.



Other home remedies to treat sunburns naturally are quite simple.



• Take 3 tablespoons of ground meals and mix it with half cup of yoghurt. Rub this mixture on over your neck and face. Wash it off after sometime.



• Two teaspoons oatmeal and a drop of honey must be added to half cup ripe papaya. This mask must be applied and kept for 20 minutes, after which it can be washed off.



• Mix honey and lime in 2;1 proportion and apply on affected area. It can be washed off in 20 minutes.



• A pinch of turmeric must be added to yoghurt and must be applied on the face, neck and arms for half hour on a regular basis.



• Cucumber and lime juice serve to cool and lighten sunburn. Therefore, they must be mixed in equal ratio and applied often.



• For sunburn relief, a paste of turmeric, barley and yoghurt must be applied on the sunburned area.



• Consuming raw mango juice that is mixed with sugar and salt serves as a cool, refreshing drink. It will help hydrate the system.



• A lotion prepared from vinegar and olive oil must be rubbed on the body before a cool bath.



• Applying a thin layer of sandalwood paste on the affected area can work wonders.



• Aloe vera is known for its soothing properties, so some pure aloe vera gel must be applied on the sunburned area for relief.

Sunburn Remedies

When it comes to sunburn, it is better to have prevented it so that the need to treat it would not arise. So, how to treat sunburn and what to do for sunburn? There are various remedies for treating sunburn. Home remedies are generally thought to be the safest. You can find home remedies for sunburn blisters, sunburn itch, sunburn redness, sunburn peeling, sunburn on face and feet, sunburned lips, and sunburned skin. These home remedies would also come in handy if you have been looking for methods on how to get rid of sunburn marks on the face, sunburn redness and sunburn itch.

Sunburn : Home Remedies suggested by users

Take Vitamin E and Vitamin C Diet

Antioxidants like vitamin E and vitamin C are very helpful in curing sunburn. Hence include vitamin E and vitamin C in your diet. Tomato is a good antioxidant. Eat good quality protein foods like meat, egg, fish, chicken and so on. Eat lots of fruits. They will supply essential vitamins and minerals. To keep the body hydrated and compensate for the lost fluids, drink lots of fluids.

SPF 30 or Above Sunglasses Should be Used

While going outdoors wear good quality sunglasses and apply good quality sunscreen creams whose SPF is 30 or above. Do not use harsh soaps to wash sun burn.



Besides applying sunscreen, other basic precautionary tips are mentioned below:



• First and foremost, it is best to avoid venturing out in the sun during peak hours of the day.



• The use of a hat and light clothing are recommended.



• Protect your lips from the UV rays by applying a good quality lip balm. Lip balms with SPF are also available today.



• Shield your eyes from the harsh rays of the sun by donning protective eyewear.