Take the sting out of sunburn

You wore the hat, you applied the sunscreen, but if you missed a bit or didn't reapply soon enough chances are you're in a world of pain. 

To help your sunburn heal, be sure to:

• drink plenty of water
• stay out of the sun until the redness, peeling and pain have disappeared
• leave any blisters alone, do not break them open or pop them

If sunburn blisters burst open on their own, clean the area with water to avoid infection.

Natural remedies

Having a natural remedy on hand helps takes the sting out of sunburn.

Aloe vera 

Studies on the effecacy of aloe vera report its ability to promote healing in first to second-degree burns, with recent research showing it aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties.

About aloe vera
Aloe Vera has two main parts. Gel and latex which have different properties. 

• Aloe vera gel is the clear, odorless liquid found in the innermost part of the leaf. It's generally safe and can be used topically to treat skin conditions like burns, psoriasis, and acne. Aloe gel can also help wounds heal by improving blood circulation.
• Aloe vera latex (aloin) is the yellow, bitter liquid that seeps from the leaf when it's cut. It contains chemicals that act as a laxative and can cause serious health complications if used too often.

Safety note
While aloe gel is generally safe and can be effective in treating skin conditions such as burns and psoriasis, avoid using aloe latex orally. Unprocessed aloe latex contains chemicals that appear to have the potential to cause cancer, and processed aloe latex might have cancer-causing compounds.

How to use it
Rub  1 tablespoon aloe vera gel on the burn. Aloe vera gel contains anti-inflammatory properties that will help the redness and the swelling. If you're harvesting your own, see safety note above.

Where to get it
Aloe vera is available from pharmacies or grow your own

Grow aloe vera in full sun with good drainage, avoiding frost. In heavy soil or wet areas, use a raised bed with coarse gravel for better drainage. Aloe vera can also thrive in a pot with a cacti mix. Indoors, place it in a bright spot. Plant any time of year, watering well to settle the soil, and avoid damaging the central growth point. Fertilize annually before the main growing season.

Harvesting aloe vera 

1. Remove 3-4 thick leaves from the outer sections of a mature plant 
2. Cut the leaves close to the stem 
3. Wash and dry the leaves 
4. Stand the leaves over a container for around 15 minutes to allow the aloe latex (called aloin) to drain out of the cutting.
5. Trim the prickly edges with a knife 
6. Separate the interior gel from the outside of the leaf 

Aloe vera, coconut oil and peppermint

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup coconut oil (extra-virgin)**
• 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel*. Aloe vera gel contains anti-inflammatory properties that will help the redness and the swelling. If you're harvesting your own, see safety note above.
• 5 drops peppermint essential oil (skip this in children under 5 years old). Peppermint will cool the burn and soothe itching. 

Mix the ingredients together, place in a glass jar and pop in the fridge. The coconut oil will harden in the fridge, so apply like a cream or for a more liberal application warm in your hands before applying. Apply to the burn as required. Add 1/2 cup extra virgin coconut oil to the above recipe once the heat has left the skin. 

**A note on coconut
While coconut oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties and is useful for treating sunburn, only use once the heat has gone from the sunburn. Using it too soon can trap the heat. 

Extra virgin coconut oil is known to have antibacterial and antifungal activity. A study shows that extra virgin coconut oil is as effective and safe as mineral oil when used as a moisturiser, with absence of adverse reactions

Witch Hazel

Witch hazel is commonly used in skin products because it promotes healing, is anti-inflammatory and helps with redness. The plant's bark produces tannins that help with swelling and redness and can ward off bacteria.

To use it on sunburn, soak a clean cloth in a bowl with three to four tablespoons of witch hazel liquid and dab it on the affected area.

Oatmeal Bath 

Oatmeal has anti-inflammatory benefits making it ideal for inflamed, sunburned skin. Oatmeal helps to restore the natural barrier of your skin and helps with hydration.

An oatmeal bath once skin starts peeling can provide releaf from itching.

• 1 to 2 cups whole road oats - process to a fine powder in a food processor. 
• Add contents to a cool bath. The water should become milky.
• Soak for 15 minutes and pat dry afterwards. 
• This is also a great treatment for dry skin conditions. 

Coconut Oil 

Coconut oil has become a popular natural alternative to moisturiser and has obvious hydrating benefits for red and dry skin.

Be careful, however, not to use it too soon. The benefit of coconut oil is that it traps moisture, but it will also trap heat. If used too soon, it will worsen the symptoms. Wait a couple of days until the heat of the sunburn has left before applying.

Baking Soda 

Adding baking soda or corn starch to a bath can reduce inflammation and help with itching from peeling skin. 

Add 3-4 heaped tablespoons to a cool bath to help relieve irritation and reduce damage. 

You can also mix with water and apply as a paste to the skin.

NOTE: be gentle, try not to rub or scrub the sunburned area.

Tea Bags 

Tea has antioxidant properties that can relieve the symptoms of sunburn. Any old tea can be used, black tea, English breakfast, green or chamomile. Black tea may be more beneficial due to its higher tannin levels, while green tea is reported to be the most soothing for pain.

Soak a cloth or cotton pad in brewed tea while is cooled and apply to the sunburn to relieve the symptoms and swelling.

Lavender Oil 

Lavender oil has anti-inflammatory and analgesic, healing properties. This calming oil also boasts antimicrobial properties, which can help to reduce the risk of your burn becoming infected.

There are several ways to use lavender oil including mixing it into a bath mix or making a cool compress with it. Essential oils should not be applied directly to the skin without a carrier oil such as coconut oil. If using with a carrier oil, make sure the heat has left the burn before applying.

Be SunSmart

Cancer Council recommends following these five SunSmart steps whenever UV levels reach three or above:

• Slip on some sun-protective clothing that covers as much skin as possible.
• Slop on SPF50 or SPF50+ broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen. Apply the recommended amount 20 minutes before you go outdoors. Reapply every two hours or after swimming sweating or towel drying.
• Slap on a broad-brim hat that shades the face, neck and ears.
• Seek shade.
• Slide on some sunglasses – make sure they meet Australian Standards.

Disclaimer

While we make every effort to make sure the information in this website is accurate and informative, the information does not take the place of professional or medical advice.

Natural remedies may not suit everyone. Always seek advice from a health professional before starting any home treatment.