Holistic medicine refers to the process of looking at the whole person when treating an illness. Holistic practitioners consider stress, diet, lifestyle practices and many other factors when determining how to treat sickness. The term holistic is also occasionally applied to natural or home remedies. There are several excellent natural remedies for blisters from sunburns, many of which aim to restore skin health as well as alleviate symptoms. Any sunburn that causes blisters on a child or fever in an adult requires prompt medical treatment. Consult your doctor for more information.
Hydration
Severe sunburns raise the body temperature and cause fevers. They also dry out the skin. Consequently, a holistic approach for treating sunburn blisters requires preventing or minimizing these side effects. It is vital to remain hydrated when you've been sunburned. This boosts immunity, prevents your skin from becoming painfully dry and may reduce fevers. Replace soda and sugary drinks with water and aim to drink 6 to 8 glasses of water each day.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera gel is widely known for its skin-healing properties. It soothes all types of burns, including sunburns, and can speed up the healing process. Try snapping off the leaf of an aloe plant and rubbing the gel inside the leaf on your burn. Many stores carry aloe very gel specifically designed for burns. Refrigerate it for 30 minutes and apply to your sunburn. Refrigerating aloe vera helps cool the burn.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a lipid-soluble antioxidant that prevents damage to cell membranes. In doing so, it aids the skin's healing process. This vitamin is effective for treating a variety of skin conditions, including dry skin, red patches and sunburns. Take two vitamin E capsules every day to treat your sunburn. Alternatively, try popping open a capsule and applying it directly to the blisters.
Tea Bags
Many holistic practitioners use tea bags to draw out infection and reduce inflammation. Heat up a tea bag in water and then place in the freezer for 10 minutes to cool. Then, apply it to your sunburned area for 10 to 15 minutes. You can repeat this process as many times each day as you desire. The cool temperature of the tea bag will also help reduce swelling.
References
- "The Doctor's Book of Home Remedies"; Don Barone; 2003
- "American College of Physicians Complete Home Medical Guide"; David R. Goldman; 2003
- "Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, Fourth Edition"; Mayo Clinic; 2009
