How To Treat Sunburn By Yourself

Treating Sunburn

Sunburns are caused by prolonged exposure to UV(ultraviolet rays). UV rays accelerate the production of  pigment in the skin called melanin. Melanin gives the color to our skin and is produced by the body to protect the skin from the harmful rays.

Sunburns are not only extremely painful, but that can also be dangerous. If not treated, can result in an infection and permanent damage to the skin. Although the minor burns often heal by themselves within a week or two, there are things you can do to relieve discomfort and promote scarring of the skin.


Steps to follow to sunburn home remedies
* Drink plenty of water. When you are burned by the sun or you are exposed to heat, you lose fluid through the skin. It is imperative replace these fluids to the proper cellular function needed to heal the skin properly.


* Apply cold compresses to the affected area. Soak a cloth or a small towel in cold water, drain and  gently apply on the burn. An excellent type of cold compress is made with milk and water. Use a combination of cold milk and together with half of cold water. Moisten the cloth, wring out and apply to the area. The compress of milk is extremely soothing to the burned skin.


* Rub the gel of a stem of a plant of aloe vera on the skin. Aloe vera contains compounds that may help repair damaged cells of the skin through the control of inflammation and the pain that comes with the sunburn.


* Take a bath. Leave running a little hot water to warm in the tub and add 1/2 cup of oatmeal and 1/2 cup of baking soda. This will relieve the pain and irritation in the skin and will help you relax. You can also add 1 cup of Epsom salts to cool down the water of the bath and enjoy. Epsom salts reduce swelling and soothes the nerve endings in the skin.


* Take a raw potato and cut it into small pieces. Grind the parts through a blender or food processor, and then with the pulp and juice rub on the affected area. The potato juice will help control the swelling under the skin.


* Add 1/2 cup of lemon juice and 1/2 cup of cold water. Applied gently on the burned skin. The cold water soothes the skin while the lemon juice acts as a disinfectant.


* Create an oil with 1/2 cup of olive oil and 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar. Rub  over all the area burned by the sun at least 1 hour before your shower. This mixture not only relieves the pain in the skin, but will help you to prevent the skin from drying out and blisters.


To take into account in cures for sunburn
Take prevention measures to avoid a sunburn before burn. Use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 and be sure to re-apply it in the days that sweat a lot or you're in a swimming pool.

When applying products to sunburn, do not rub the skin, as it will be very thin at this point and can be peel leaving it open to infection and more pain.