You’ve just had a great day of fun in the pool. You’re feeling refreshed, but there’s one problem: you forgot to apply sunscreen.
When this happens, you understandably want fast relief. Fortunately, you have a few options for treating your sunburn with household remedies.
Some of these treatments for sunburn include:
- Treating a Sunburn with Cold Water
- Using Oatmeal and Baking Soda for a Sunburn
- Applying Aloe Vera
- Brew Chamomile Tea
- Wear Loose Clothing While Recovering
- Stay Hydrated After a Sunburn
- Additional Information
Treating a Sunburn with Cold Water
One of the simplest treatments is cold water. If you’re outside still, or otherwise don’t have access to any of the other items, this is the best way to get some relief.
Apply the cold water with a damp, soft towel on the affected area. While swimming is fun, we actually don’t recommend getting back into a chlorinated pool if you’re sunburned. It could cause additional irritation.
Furthermore, don’t use ice. It could cause additional damage. If you have the chance, try taking a cool bath or shower afterwards.
Using Oatmeal and Baking Soda for a Sunburn
If you do opt to take a cool bath, add some oats to the bathtub. It will help your skin stay moisturized. In addition, add some tablespoons of baking soda.
After soaking in this bath for 20 minutes, the sun damage will be lessened. Also, when drying yourself, only dab the towel, don’t rub it against your burnt skin.
Applying Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is an age-old remedy for sunburns, and to this day remains a popular way to soothe sunburns. It’s convenient, since you can buy it over the counter, and it provides near instant relief. If you can get your hands on a plant, then use that, but if not, then an aloe vera gel will suffice.
Make sure it’s 100 percent and isn’t just an aloe-based ointment. You should be able to find it at many pharmacies.
Brew Chamomile Tea
While chamomile tea is pleasant to drink, you can also use it to help provide you with some pain relief when you have a sunburn. After brewing the tea, let it cool down for a while. Then, apply it to your sunburn using a washcloth.
Wear Loose Clothing While Recovering
To avoid irritating your skin further, try wearing loose clothing. If you can, wear clothing made of natural fibers to let your skin breathe. This will help speed up your recovery.
Stay Hydrated After a Sunburn
Staying hydrated will speed up the healing process. Your skin needs moisture in order to recover from a sunburn. If you don’t drink enough water per day already, then this is a good time to start.
Additional Information
After these remedies, if your sunburn still bothers you, then take ibuprofen. In addition, make sure you apply sun screen the next time you go outdoors. Finally, if you suffer from a fever or dehydration after a sunburn, call your doctor.
