Sunburn may occur after only 15 minutes of sun exposure, causing redness, itchiness, pain, swelling, nausea, headache and blistering. While these may begin soon after sun exposure, the full damage to your skin may not be apparent for 24 hours or longer. Most sunburn on the face is treatable with free home remedies that focus on relieving pain, encouraging healing and preventing infection. If your burn is severe, or if you develop widespread blistering, fever, chills, vomiting or severe swelling, consult a doctor for professional care.
Cool Compresses
Dampen a soft towel with cool water and apply it to your sunburned face. You can also take a cool bath or shower for a few minutes every hour. Baking soda and apple cider vinegar are beneficial when added to bathwater or used along with your compress, notes Health911. Cooling your skin with compresses or baths will reduce pain and may speed recovery.
Aloe Vera and Moisturizers
Applying aloe vera to sunburned areas may encourage healing and ease pain. If you do not have aloe vera gel in your medicine cabinet, find an aloe plant, peel off the upper layer of leaves, and run the fleshy part of the plant against burned areas.
Moisturizing creams may reduce discomfort, but these should not be used on broken or blistered skin, according to the National Institutes of Health. Do not apply petroleum-based products to your burn. Dr. Lawrence E. Gibson of the Mayo Clinic warns against using products that contain alcohol, as these may dry out your skin and make sunburn worse.
Increased Fluids
The combination of heat and sun exposure can cause a considerable loss of fluid through your skin, according to MayoClinic.com. It is essential to increase your fluid intake following sun exposure to keep your skin hydrated and to prevent dehydration. Drinking more water may also ease the headache, nausea and dizziness associated with sunburn. KidsHealth.org recommends drinking extra fluids for at least two to three days following sun exposure.
Other Home Remedies
Do not break blisters, as they function to protect your skin during the recovery period. Breaking blisters also increases the chance of infection. Large blisters that break should be covered with a sterile gauze or clean cloth. Always wash your hands before touching broken blisters.
Avoid laying your face on rough blankets or other fabrics to reduce skin irritation and speed recovery from your sunburn, and stay inside as much as possible until your sunburn heals. Continued sun exposure will make your sunburn worse and may increase pain.
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