Natural remedies for sunburn

Cause

The causes of sunburn are easy to identify: the skin has been overexposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays, without the necessary coverage of effective creams. At this point, blood flow increases to the areas most exposed to the sun, as evidenced by redness of the skin; radiation triggers the release of cytokines and histamine, which causes itching; peripheral vasodilation occurs, increasing capillary permeability with all the consequences associated with skin inflammation.

Sunburn Levels

Sunburn presents itself in two basic forms: erythema and burning. In the first case, with erythema, the skin becomes red, swollen, and increasingly itchy . In the second case, however, when the skin is burned, with first- and second-degree burns, while with more severe burns, any surviving cells can become cancerous and cause skin cancer. Among the consequences of more severe sunburns are the risk of developing melanoma and premature skin aging. In essence, the skin loses firmness and sunspots and wrinkles form.

Symptoms

The symptoms of sunburn are also quite obvious. In particular:

• Redness of the skin, which also becomes hot
• Burning sensation
• Pain in reddened areas
• itch

When it comes to the burn, these symptoms can be added to:

• Temperature
• Headache
• Red-purple colored skin
• Swelling of the skin
• Shivers of cold
• Soft bubbles filled with clear liquid

Why sunburn should be avoided, especially in children

Children are at greater risk than adults from excessive exposure to the sun's rays. Therefore, they need more protection. Children's skin's increased sensitivity is due to:

• The skin's barrier function is less effective, thinner, and its layers have a different chemical composition than those of adults. The greatest risks concern children in the first three years of life.
• From three or four months up to 12 years of age, children's sebaceous glands are inactive, and the protection of sebum on the skin is lacking.
• The child's pH does not yet have the right value to perform a proper function skin protection. 
• Children are at greater risk of systemic absorption of products applied to the skin. This means choosing the right product for them. sun creams of quality, and be very careful in their use.
• Children with sunburn-level injuries are more likely than adults to develop melanoma over time.
• About 80 percent of our accumulated sun exposure over the course of a lifetime occurs in the first two decades of our lives.

Prevention

To prevent sunburn, in addition to sunscreen and sunglasses, other elements are also needed:

• Children should not sunbathe during the hottest and most sultry moments of the day, and should go to the beach in the early hours of the morning.
• For clothing, natural fabrics are always preferable, such as the flax, cotton and hemp
• There are also specific garments for protection from UV rays
• In summer, outdoors and during the day, it is always advisable to wear peaked caps
• The sunscreens to be preferred are those with physical filters
• Babies under six months old should never be exposed to direct sunlight.

Sunburn, especially if repeated over time, increases the risk of developing melanoma, a skin cancer. Excessive exposure to the sun's rays can cause erythema and first- and second-degree burns , which, if repeated over time, can lead to the appearance of skin lesions that lead to melanoma. It is therefore essential to protect your skin from an early age by avoiding exposure during the hottest hours of the day and using high-protection sunscreens . Sun exposure, if used in moderation, not only allows you to achieve a beautiful tan but also provides a whole host of benefits: it boosts the immune system and strengthens bones by stimulating the body to produce vitamin D, which is essential for binding calcium.

Natural remedies for sunburn

If, despite everything, you've gone to the beach and ended up as red as a lobster, here are some simple tips on how to treat sunburn with natural remedies:

• To begin with, you can try to give some relief to the burned skin by preparing a refreshing bathAdd a glass of apple cider vinegar, half a glass of baking soda, and a pinch of coarse salt to the warm water.
• Also try applying the slice of a potato on the burned area of ​​skin for about 15-20 minutes: you will immediately feel a sensation of freshness.
• The the aloe vera It's perfect for sunburn, skin irritation, burns, and sunburn, as well as in after-sun treatments. Crushed aloe vera leaves produce a soothing gel that, when applied to the skin, provides an immediate feeling of well-being.
• Another remedy to treat sunburn is starch bathYou can buy it in powder form in pharmacies without a prescription and you just need to dissolve it six spoons in fresh waterThis bath is best done before going to sleep because it will give you a lot of relief and allow you to rest better. Alternatively, you can do some compresses with wet bread placed in a tea towel.
• Green tea is also excellent. After infusing it, let it cool and then add it to the bath water or apply it directly to the burned skin using a cotton ball or a towel.
• Another way to find relief is to make light massages on the burned area with thesweet almond oil. Excellent for its soothing properties, at the same time moisturizes the skin leaving it soft and fragrant.
• A quick and convenient solution without necessarily having to go to the pharmacy are the compresses with the cucumberDuring the summer, this vegetable is almost always present in your kitchen, so peel it and then blend it. After straining the pulp, collect the juice and with the help of a cotton ball use it to make compressesThe result is guaranteed.
• On the days when the erythema is being treated dress comfortablyAvoid high-cut or synthetic clothing. Sunburn hurts enough on its own, there's no need to rub salt in the wound.
• In addition to these remedies, don't forget to always keep your body well hydrated: drink lots of water, eat lots of food fruits and veg (soy is also excellent) and use a hydrating and soothing cream, possibly formulated with natural ingredients..
• If the burn does not show signs of improving and fever also appears, you can opt for medications antihistamines and cortisone, In addition to analgesics to relieve the pain, but it's always better to hear a doctor's opinion first.

How long does a sunburn last?

Once it appears, sunburn, if treated with the right natural remedies, lasts only a few days. Then the skin gradually returns to its normal appearance. During this period, there are only two things to do. First, avoid sunbathing, even if you're well-protected . And always stay in the shade . Second, take cool showers and use the compresses we've recommended.

What not to do with a sunburn

In addition to strictly avoiding the sun (not even under an umbrella) and staying in the shade and well-protected for at least two days, when a sunburn and its symptoms appear, you should never pop the blisters, to avoid infecting the particularly delicate skin underneath. Blisters are also a good indicator of when it's safe to return to the sun, with the right protection: they should disappear, along with the epidermis covering them.

Health risks of solar lamps

The danger of ultraviolet rays increases depending on the skin's characteristics and sensitivity: those with fair skin require greater protection from both UVB rays, which cause sunburn , and UVA rays, which cause premature skin aging . Sunlamps should also not be underestimated: artificial tanning increases the risk of melanoma by 75 percent.

How to tell if a sunburn is serious

Sunburn can become more complicated and more serious than a simple discomfort, with the presence of some symptoms that shouldn't be underestimated . First and foremost, swelling and blisters , which reach their maximum expansion within three days of the sunburn. At this point, fever and chills may develop. Don't waste time and consult a dermatologist: your sunburn requires appropriate treatment.

Read also:

• When to throw away sunscreen
• How to apply sunscreen
• How to sunbathe without getting burned