Kitchen Remedies For Sunburn

Sunburn incidences generally increase in summer. Often, inadequate protection or overzealous sunbathing results in sunburn. Before knowing the home remedies and the cures available, it is important to understand how sunburns are caused and why adequate sun protection is a must whenever you are out in the sun.

The sun’s emissions contain harmful ultraviolet rays which cause skin damage, premature aging and even skin cancer. Our skin contains a pigment called melanin, which darkens when in contact with the sun’s rays, giving some protection to the skin. This darkening is observed as the ‘tanning’ reaction of the skin. Fair skinned people have less melanin pigment in their skin, which makes them more vulnerable to the UV rays and sunburn. However, considering the harmful effects of the sun, it is advised that everybody should use sun block creams and lotions for protection.

Sunburn usually starts with painful redness, possibly accompanied by swelling in the exposed areas of the skin. The skin may gradually peel and become itchy. These symptoms can last for about three to seven days, and during this time, one is advised to keep the skin cool and hydrated. Frequent showers, cold towel compresses and bathing in cool water with a bit of baking powder added to it are common home remedies.