Home treatments are the first line of defense for treating sun poisoning, often because the consequences from too much sun exposure require immediate relief. The telltale signs of sun poisoning are blisters over sunburned, inflamed skin; however, sometimes blisters do not develop until hours or days after sun exposure. Home treatments usually take care of the condition. The Mayo Clinic suggests that only rarely does sun poisoning require care from a physician.
Vinegar
Vinegar relieves the stinging and burning sensation of affected areas and helps in reducing fever. Skin often is hot to the touch and a slight fever may arise from too much exposure to the sun. For topical, spot applications, apply white vinegar to the affected area using a cotton ball. Harry Roth, M.D., clinical professor of dermatology at the University of California-San Francisco, recommends adding 1 cup of white cedar vinegar to a tub of lukewarm water for allover comfort. Ask a family member or friend to test the bathwater temperature, as lukewarm may feel cold to a victim of sun poisoning. Do not use soap while soaking--including mild soap--to avoid further irritation.
Yogurt
Sunburn causes inflammation and soreness, but the blisters pose another problem. Blisters are wounds that can open and ooze bacterial buildup. The John Hopkins Burn Center recommends eating a high-protein diet and suggests yogurt as a protein source. Additionally yogurt applied topically serves as a coolant for the skin and may prevent bacterial infection with open blisters and burns. Treating burns topically with yogurt is an age-old method and a popular folk remedy. Instead of using first aid creams, apply plain yogurt with a cotton ball onto sunburned skin, and cover blistered areas with a bandage.
Green Tea
The National Cancer Institute is investigating the use of green tea for the prevention of skin cancer due to the wealth of recent studies showing that catechins, compounds found in green tea, can prevent further skin damage caused by the sun's radiation. One study, conducted at the Department of Dermatology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, suggests that adding green tea as a supplement to the diet can prevent sunburn. For a topical application, brew a cup of green tea, chill and apply to the skin with a cotton ball.
Liquids
The skin is the last organ to receive the body's intake of water. Sun poisoning may cause internal dehydration, so the skin may not get the water needed for repair and cleansing. Increase your fluid intake, particularly water and other non-sugary drinks. For additional healing benefits, include juices containing beta carotene, a substance in orange-colored fruits and vegetables that fortifies damaged cells and prevents further damage. Add a glass or two of orange or carrot juice to your diet each day until your skin heals, in addition to increasing your water intake. Drink at least a glass of water every hour until conditions improve, usually within a few days.
Moisturizer
The skin needs moisture, but moisture suitable for one condition may not be appropriate for another. Pure aloe vera gel is an acceptable moisturizer for treating sun poisoning. Cooling agents and numbing ingredients in some forms of aloe vera applications can cause skin irritation and potentially cause additional damage to the skin, so apply 100 percent aloe vera gel to the sunburn at least twice a day until the skin heals. Apply it to the skin after bathing when the skin is still damp and anytime throughout the day when itching or dryness occurs.
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