Sunburn is radiation damage caused by sustained exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays. If you have spent too much time in the sun without using adequate protection, your skin will become red, sore and itchy. In more serious cases, water blisters can develop, which will eventually burst and cause the skin to peel. Other symptoms of excessive sun exposure are faintness, nausea, headaches and dizziness.
Step 1
Make a pot of very strong tea. Use several green tea, black tea, or chamomile tea bags, and add the tea to a bath of lukewarm water. Soak in the tea bath for as long as you feel comfortable. If you do not have access to a bath tub, take a lukewarm shower then gently dab the burned areas with cold, wet teabags or soak a clean cloth in tea and lay it over the affected area. The tea will help pull the heat out from your skin and temporarily ease the pain.
Step 2
Pat yourself dry, or let the skin dry naturally. Be very careful not to rub sunburned skin with a towel as this could be very painful and seriously aggravate the condition.
Step 3
Make a vinegar compress. Apple cider vinegar is preferable if you have any on hand; if not, use regular vinegar. Soak a clean cloth with the vinegar and place it over the skin, then allow it to dry. The strong smell will fade as the vinegar dries. Re-apply every three to four hours until the skin has returned to a healthy condition.
Step 4
Drink abundant water, at least one glass every hour. Even mild sunburn can cause severe dehydration. A sweet sugar-laden drink such as cola can also be beneficial for replacing lost sugar. Avoid drinking alcohol as this will further promote skin dehydration.
Step 5
Take a painkiller such as paracetamol or aspirin. This will further help relieve the pain, and reduce inflammation and irritation.
Tips and Warnings
- Wear a wide brimmed hat when outside during the summer. Between 12:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. when the sun rays are at their strongest, stay indoors. If you have sunburned skin, keep the area completely covered until the skin returns to a healthy condition.
- In very severe cases of sunburn, medical intervention will be necessary. If the sunburn is covering a large area of your body and you are in a lot of pain, or you are suffering from chills, fever or nausea see a doctor. Extreme sun exposure can also cause eye damage. If your eyes feel gritty and are causing you discomfort, visit an ophthalmologist as soon as possible. Young children should always be seen by a medical practitioner if sunburn occurs.
Things You'll Need
- Tea bags
- Vinegar
- Painkillers
