Many people expose themselves to a fair amount of sun each summer in order to get a suntan. When the skin is exposed to a moderate amount of sunlight, the skin produces a pigment called melanin to help protect itself and this makes the skin go darker, resulting in a suntan. However, exposing the skin to too much sun without wearing sun protection causes the skin damage we refer to as sunburn.
Sunburn is the skin’s reaction to exposure to the ultraviolet (UV) light contained in sunlight. The exposed layer of skin releases chemicals that cause the blood vessels to expand and leak fluids, causing inflammation, pain and redness.
Excessive exposure to sunlight causes serious, long term damage to the skin. It reduces the skin’s elasticity, causes premature ageing, age spots and most serious of all, skin cancer.
Sunburned skin turns red within two to six hours of being burnt and continues to develop for the next 24 to 72 hours. Symptoms are:
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Pain and redness between 2 and 6 hours of sunburn.
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In severe cases, blistering and swelling of the skin and a high fever (seek medical attention if this occurs).
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Skin peeling and flaking 3 to 5 days after the sunburn.
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Heat exhaustion/heatstroke (see medical attention if this suspected).
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Homeopathy has been traditionally used to help relieve the symptoms of sunburn. The homeopathic remedies Belladonna and Cantharis can help relieve the pain and redness associated with sunburn. (Always read the label.)∏
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Pure Aloe Vera gel has great soothing and anti-inflammatory effects and can be applied after getting sunburn. Keep it in the fridge so that it is nice and chilled for when you need it. (Remember that Aloe Vera has no sun protection factor so do not replace with SPF cream.)
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There is some evidence that Vitamin E and C supplements* taken orally can help the skin recover faster from sunburn.
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Hydrotherapy such as cool baths, showers and towel compresses will help soothe the pain of sunburn.
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Iced tea. Soak a cloth in tea and place in the freezer. When the cloth is extremely cold place on the skin. Repeat until there is no more heat emitting from the skin. Any kind of tea will do, but mint is the best.
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Prevention is better than cure. To avoid sunburn completely, always wear a high SPF cream in the sun and try to cover up or keep out of the sun between 11am and 3pm.
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Cold Compress for quick relief, wrap a bag of frozen vegetables in a cloth and apply them as a compress for the sunburn.
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Vinegar has long been used in the treatment of sunburn. Try adding a cup of vinegar to a cool bath and soak in it for around 20 minutes.
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Air dry. Don’t towel dry after a bath or shower as this will irritate the sunburned skin further.
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Wear loose fitting clothing so that your clothes do not irritate the sunburned skin.
* A food supplement must not be used as a substitute for a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.
† Medical referral is advisable if symptoms worsen or persist.
∏ On no account should prescribed medication be discontinued, except under a doctor’s supervision.
UK & Ireland 