Sunburn

On holiday we tend to spend a lot of time outside and even though most of us wear sun protection cream, occasionally we can still get caught out and end up with sunburn. This is because the skin overheats and becomes red and painful. In some cases the skin may begin to blister, flake or peel after a few days.

Sunburn can often be accompanied by heat exhaustion/heatstroke where dizziness, headaches and nausea also occur.

• Severe sunburn can cause blistering, swelling of the skin and fever and can be serious.
  

• See your doctor if a small child or baby has been sunburned.

Natural remedies

• 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.)
  

• Pure Aloe Vera gel has great soothing and anti-inflammatory effects and can be applied after getting sunburn.

• There is some evidence that Vitamin E and C supplements* taken orally can help the skin recover faster from sunburn. You can also pop open the capsule and rub the oil directly on the skin.

• Hydrotherapy such as cool baths, showers and towel compresses will help soothe the pain of sunburn.

* A food supplement must not be used as a substitute for a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.