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Sunburn is the result of over exposure to the sun's ultra-violet ( UV ) rays. There are two types of ultra-violet rays, ultra-violet
A (UVA) and ultra-violet B (UVB). Both are very strong and harmful to the skin. UVB rays attack the skin's upper layers whereas
the UVA are rays that attack the inner layers.
The severity of the sunburn depends upon the amount of exposure from the individual, the geographical location, the time,
and the atmospheric conditions. Sunburns, like any other burn, are classified as first degree, second degree and third degree.
Normally, sunburns are first-degree burns.
The symptoms of a first-degree burn are pain, heat, redness and tender to the touch in the skin affected. These symptoms can
appear from 1 to 24 hours after exposure to the sun.
The symptoms of a second-degree burn are extreme reddening, swelling; pain and even blisters can appear. The burn reaches
the deeper layers of the skin where it damages the small blood vessels and elastic fibers in the skin, and later there is
wrinkling of the skin. In most severe cases, chills, fever, nausea, and/or delirium may accompany the burn. Sunburn such as
this, is extremely painful and for children is terribly dangerous.
Today the effect of sun exposure is common because of the decline in the earth's ozone layer. The ozone's layer protects us
from harmful a UV ray, which damages our skin, and causes many diseases like skin cancer.
Spending too much time in the sun without adequate protection is harmful. Your chances of developing a sunburn are greatest
between 10 AM and 3 PM when the sun's rays are strongest at all latitudes. The risk drops considerably before and after those
times.
The effects of sunburn are minimum on a cloudy or overcast day when the sun is not shining brightly. However, on these foggy,
cloudy, or slightly overcast days, sunburn can be induced when sunlight is scattered by atmospheric conditions.
HOME REMEDIES FOR SUNBURN
· Always cool down the burn first. Ice is good for most burns, but severe burns can only be relieved by cold water.
· Boil water and steep many tea bags to a very strong tea in a large pot. Add ice until the tea is just slightly warm. Put
a bath towel into the pot and keep turning the towel until it has soaked up all of the tea. Have the sunburned person lie
on the floor or bed on top of an old towel to catch drips. Place the wet towel over the sunburned area of the body. Leave
the towel on for a half hour for a moderate burn and an hour for a strong burn.
· Apply vitamin E cream to affected area and take vitamin E supplements. This will not cure the sunburn but it will help reduce
itching and will speed recovery.
· Prepare a yogurt-based paste with barley and turmeric and apply to affected areas.
· Apply cold aloe Vera gel, apple cider vinegar, or plantain to help heal sunburn.
· Apply some sandalwood paste to affected areas.
· Apply regular yellow mustard to the burn. Once it dries, wash it off and this will prevent it from blistering.
· Do not go outdoors between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm, when the UV rays are more intense. If you have to be outside during this
hour, try to wear a hat, sunglasses that protect your eyes from UV rays, and clothing made of light colored, light weight,
tightly woven material.
· Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
· Eat lots of lean, and high quality protein foods. Also include raw fruits to supply the vitamins and minerals needed.
· Fill a bathtub with cold water and dissolve one pound of baking soda or oatmeal in it. Soak in the bath for 30 minutes approximately,
until you feel relieve.
· Avoid any creams, butter, petroleum jelly or any other greasy substance to sunburn. They only cause more damage by trapping
the heat and can make a burn deeper. The sunburn will heal faster if left exposed to the air.
· Prepare a mixture by adding 2-teaspoon tomato juice and 4 tablespoon buttermilk and apply on the face. Leave for 1/2 hour,
and wash off.
· Mix olive oil with equal quantity of vinegar and apply an hour before your bath.
· Wet the blisters with cool water and sprinkle an ample amount of regular table salt to it and let it dry. Let the dry salt
stand on your skin for 30 min. to an hour depending on the size of the blister. It is a very effective remedy.
· Apply a mixture of one part olive oil and one part vinegar to affected areas. Wash off after an hour.
· For facial sunburn, apply a paste made from whole-wheat flour mixed with milk, olive oil, or barley flour, honey, and raw
egg white.
· Apply any sour cream on burned area.
· Sunscreens help to prevent sun related problems, like aging skin and precancerous growths. Individuals should select a sunscreen
to provide protection according to their particular skin type, the time of year, their location, and the activities they plan
to do.
. Pat the areas with the potato juice. Wait until dry and then take a cool shower.
· Cook oatmeal and wait until it is cold. Place in the refrigerator if necessary. Again, taking a shower to remove the oatmeal
pack.
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