July 5th, 2010
When it comes to sun safety, prevention is the key. But in the unfortunate event that you or someone in your household does get sunburned, here are some natural remedies to soothe the pain. (Plus you could always rent a projector to keep the whole family entertained while sunburns are healing!)
Aloe vera application – use freshly harvested leaves to squeeze out drops of aloe and apply to the sunburn. Alternatively, use an aloe vera prepared product and apply topically to affected areas.
Apple cider vinegar compress – sure it stinks, but it works miracles in taking the heat out of a nasty sunburn. Soak a cotton ball and apply directly to affected areas, or soak a washcloth to cool larger areas. Helps prevent blistering/peeling.
Baking soda bath – add about a cup of baking soda to a lukewarm (or cool, if you can stand it) bath and soak affected areas. Alternatively, dissolve in water and make a cool compress.
Cucumber spa treatment – fresh cucumber slices will cool and soothe sunburns.
Epsom salt soak – dissolve 1-2 cups Epsom salt (available at any local pharmacy and most groceries) in a tepid bath, or make a cooling compress with a wash cloth or soft rag.
Oatmeal spa soak – oatmeal has a remarkable cooling and moisturizing effect. Add some to your bath water and soak; alternatively, fill a clean soft sock (one you don’t intend to wear again) with oatmeal and tie the open end closed. Soak thoroughly until the oatmeal softens and use gently as a soothing compress. Also works miracles on eczema. Rinse off the oatmeal residue with cool water before drying your skin.
Potato shreds – When all you have in the house is a potato, never fear. Simply grate the potato and apply to affected area. The starch draws out the heat and soothes the burn.
Witch hazel works wonders – soak a compress and apply to affected area for quick soothing of a nasty sunburn.
While it’s fresh in your mind, why not take steps to prevent a sunburn next time? Stock up on sunscreen and place extra bottles of sunscreen in your car, your purse, near your back door (for playing in the back yard), near your front yard (for fun in the front yard), your pool/beach/gym bag, in the kids’ sports bags, and wherever else you enjoy time outdoors. Send a bottle with each child to day camp, and remind camp counselors to apply sunscreen before your child plays outdoors. If you have sunscreen with you, you’re much more likely to remember to apply it regularly. Be safe and have fun in the sun!
Prefer to play it safe and stay indoors? Rent a projector from Projector123.com and keep the whole family entertained for days – without risk of sunburn. Click here to get started.
Leave a Reply
