When it comes to a sunburn, homeopathic remedies can offer significant relief. There are several different treatments, using common products such as aloe vera and white vinegar, which remove the sting, cool glowing skin and prevent peeling. However, if your skin blisters and you develop symptoms such as nausea, fever, chills and faintness, get to a doctor immediately.
Aloe Vera
The sap inside aloe vera leaves cools and moisturizes sunburned skin, which can keep it from peeling and blistering. Aloe vera can also heal the burn more quickly, especially if you apply it immediately after coming in from the sun. Aloe vera gels and lotions are available at most drugstores and health food stores. The gel can be particularly soothing on sunburns if it's kept cool in the refrigerator. You can also use the sap directly from the plant. Simply break off a leaf where it meets the main stem and squeeze the liquid from inside the leaf into your palm. Rub it gently into your sunburn. Apply aloe vera as often as necessary.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal can be particularly soothing on sunburned skin because the starch protects the burned area and keeps it moisturized. To use oatmeal on your sunburn, wrap a cup of dry, old-fashioned rolled oats in a square of cheesecloth. Place a bowl in the bottom of your sink, hold the cheesecloth over the bowl and run cool water through the cloth until the bowl is full. Discard the oats and soak a soft cloth in the water, ringing it out so it's slightly damp. Use the cloth as a compress, applying it for 10 to 15 minutes every two to four hours.
Vinegar
Vinegar draws the painful stinging sensation out of sunburned skin. The best way to apply vinegar to burned skin is to soak in a diluted solution. Fill your bathtub with cool water and mix in 1 cup of white vinegar. Soak in the tub as long as you'd like, repeating as frequently as desired.
Witch Hazel
Witch hazel reduces swelling and inflammation, and is helpful in easing the deep soreness that often accompanies a sunburn. Soak a cotton ball or soft rag in witch hazel extract and gently apply the extract to the sunburned area. Repeat the treatment every four hours. Witch hazel extract is available at natural food stores and most drugstores.
References
- "The Complete Homeopathic Resource for Common Illnesses"; Dennis Chernin; 2006
- Mother Nature: Sunburn
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