Summer is almost here and soon many people will be seeking sunburn itch relief. While sunburn can happen at any time of the year, it is much more common during the summer months.
What is Sunburn?
Sunburn is caused by the overexposure of unprotected skin to ultraviolet rays. It is easy to lose track of how long the sun has been beating down on unprotected skin while enjoying outdoor summer activities. Sunburn can even occur in those who use sunscreen because sunscreens have a limited life. Sunburn is often not noticed later that night or the next morning. While it is best to prevent sunburn from happening by using a sunscreen, limiting exposure to the sun or not covering up, it is inevitable that sunburn will happen to some.
Severe sunburn requires medical attention; symptoms can include fever, chills, nausea, blisters, swelling, rash headache and sore eyes. There are, however, ways to treat simple sunburn easily and effectively.
Home Remedies for Sunburn
The most effective treatment for sunburn and sunburn itch is to apply a cold compress to the skin using a light cloth such as gauze or cheesecloth. A cool compress is dipped in liquid and laid on the skin in 15 to 20 minute intervals. There are many liquids that are helpful in treating sunburn; cool tap water, with or without ice cubes; skim or buttermilk; aluminum acetate mixed with water; and oatmeal water, running water over oatmeal wrapped in cheesecloth creates the water.
A cool bath is also a very good treatment for sunburn. Adding a little vinegar or baking soda to the water is a good sunburn itch relief. Using as much moisturizer on the skin as possible is also a good treatment, as is drinking a lot of water. Various gels and topical items are helpful in relieving a sunburn; aloe gel applied right from the leaf soothes a sunburn; witch hazel dabbed on the skin relieves the itch and the heat that comes off a sunburn; mixing turmeric, rose water and lime and dabbing it on the skin also helps.
Avoid Too Much Sun
The best and most important treatment for sunburn is to avoid getting one. Always use a sunscreen whenever outside during the summer; on a sunny or a cloudy day. If the sunscreen is not waterproof it must be reapplied frequently. Wear a hat and a light cover up on the beach when not in the water. As with minimizing any medical emergency, prevention is the key.
Sources:
MayoClinic.com What's the Most Effective Sunburn Treatment? When does Sunburn Require Medical Attention? (accessed April 10, 2010)
HealthCanada. First Aid Advice for Sunburn (accessed April 10, 2010)
Susan Keeping - Susan has been writing online for over 10 years and is currently developing a website for women.
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