Sunburn refers to the charring of skin due to over-exposure to sunrays or sun-equivalent sources like welding arcs, tanning lamps etc. The ultraviolet radiation of sun inflames the skin and causes much discomfort. Sun exposure results in increased production of melanin, a protective skin pigment which is dark in color. This explains why the skin tans due to sun exposure. A sun burnt skin becomes red, hot, painful and tender to touch. There may also be blistering and loss of skin (after 4-7 days). Fever, chills, nausea, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, poor circulation to vital organs etc are the other symptoms of sunburn.

Sunburn also leads to photo-aging or premature aging and development of wrinkles. Generally people, who go to beach-outings, work in yards, practice rafting or go fishing, are injured by sunburns; also light-skinned and fair-haired people are susceptible to sunburns. The symptoms start appearing within 30 minutes of sun exposure. Sunburns should not be taken lightly because continuous sun exposure may cause the deadly skin cancer.

Home Remedies for Sunburn

1. Make a paste by combining wheat flour, olive oil and milk. Apply the paste on burnt skin and wash off after it dries up. This cures sunburns.

2. Application of Aloe Vera gel soothes the affected skin.

3. Mix cucumber pulp with yoghurt and apply on affected skin. This will have a cooling effect and will minimize discomfort.

4. Mix honey and lime juice in ratio 2:1. Apply on skin, keep for 20 minutes and then wash off. This will lighten skin tone and improve skin texture.

5. Add a pinch of turmeric to yoghurt and apply on affected regions. Keep for 30 minutes and then wash off. This heals the skin cells damaged due to sunburn.

6. Combine 2 teaspoons of oatmeal, half cup ripe papaya and a drop of honey. Apply on burnt skin to get some relief.

7. Mix oatmeal, curd and tomato pulp. Apply the mixture on skin and keep for 20 minutes. This will remove the tan.

8. Application of a paste of fresh mint leaves daily would heal and soothe sun-burnt skin.

9. Soak 4 almonds in water overnight. In the morning, peel the skin off and make a paste of the almonds along with milk. Apply the paste on affected regions. This is a good anti-tan treatment.

10. Mix 1 tablespoon gram flour and 2 tablespoon raw milk. Add 2-3 drops of lemon juice to the mixture and apply on burnt skin. This combats tanning effectively.

11. Apply sandalwood paste on affected skin to get relief from burning sensation.

12. Rubbing mustard oil on affected skin relieves the symptoms of sunburn.

13. Application of sliced potato takes off the heat from the skin and gives relief.

14. Mix a cup of white cider vinegar in to bath water and enjoy a long, lousy bath. This is a useful sunburn remedy.

15. A lavender oil massage produces rewarding results.

16. Dab the affected skin with a cloth soaked in milk. This help to get rid of sunburns.

17. Boil cabbage leaves, mash them and place on the affected skin. This is an effective home remedy for sunburn and tanning.

Read about effective Home Remedies for Sunburn. Also know about Home Remedies for Stretch Marks. Read about Home Remedies for Swelling Feet.

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