Nature’s Green RemedyHelping Find Balance Between Man & Nature

Is this mild? .. Ouch!

We’ve all likely done it, run out the door on a hot summer’s day after forgetting to anoint all exposed skin areas with our favorite sunscreen or other means of sunburn prevention.  In a few hours we start to notice several of the exposed areas feel warm and tight then later … wham, the full effects of the sunburn hit home!

Fortunately most of us have a number of nature’s green remedies (plus a few other items) readily available around the home to help alleviate the pain and inflammation.

Green Home Sunburn Remedies from the Kitchen

• Take a chilly bath or shower for several minutes. Try not to use soap or only use mild ones if you must then rinse off and do not use a washcloth finally patting yourself dry with a soft towel;
• Add ½ to 1 cup oatmeal to the cooled bathwater rather than bath oils.  You can also use Aveeno powder (oatmeal-based) found in my drug stores.  Air dry your body to let the effects of the soothing oatmeal linger (baking soda is another alternative);
• Use honey as a salve by coating the burned area to promote healing;
• Take a couple of washed potatoes, cut into small pieces, add to your blender then process until they take on a liquid or pasty form (if pasty, add water to liquefy), pat the sunburned patches with the liquid then allow to dry before rinsing with cool water; and
• Soak a washcloth in cool water then apply to burned areas as a cool compress.

Home Sunburn Remedy Selections from the Bathroom Medicine Chest

• Apply a skin moisturizer after bathing to help with dryness and pain (chilling the moisturizer before use can help add relief);
• Use pure Aloe Vera gel (98% or greater) which helps increase blood flow then lower pain and inflammation;
• Sometimes cream or spray topical anesthetics can help if used correctly (be sure to use as directed and check ingredients to insure safety and minimize health issues);
• Use an over the counter pain reliever such as aspirin, ibuprofen (preferred) or acetaminophen (if the first two are problematic for you) to lower both pain and inflammation.

Each of these remedies should help you tolerate the pain and discomfort brought on by mild cases of sunburn. Remember, however, to take the proper actions to prevent future issues the next time you head out for some fun in the Sun!

Note that these remedies are primarily for small areas and minor sunburn cases.  If the burn area is extensive (whole back for instance), if you experience fever/achiness, or the burn develops blisters or forms a light brown crust, seek medical advice immediately.