8 Natural Sunburn Treatments You Can Find in Your Kitchen

Nothing a ruins fun in the sun like a scorching sunburn. We’re not going to lecture you about the dangers of sunburns now that your kiddo’s as red as a lobster (but seriously… next time it’s SPF 50 + a hazard suit + a parasol), so instead let’s talk about natural sunburn soothers that are easy and fun to mix up.

Wait...Should I Call My Doctor?

First things first – make sure to check if your kid’s sunburn is serious. If skin blisters are present, or if they’re showing signs of heat stress like nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, dehydration, or are feeling faint, you should be calling doctor, not whipping up gooey concoctions.

Relief from the Fridge

Kids have full permission to play with food when it’s brings relief to their hot and itchy skin. These cool remedies should do the trick:

Milk

Make sure to use full-fat. The fat, protein and pH of moo-juice have a soothing anti-inflammatory effect on scorched skin. Just soak a large towel in a solution of equal parts milk, water, and some ice cubes then cover skin.

Plain Yogurt

Yogurt is soothing when smeared all over the hot spots. Sit in a tub and slather it on. Rinse it off before it completely dries with a refreshing cool shower and pat dry.

Tea Bags

Soak tea bags in a small container of water in the fridge. Place the cold bags on your eyelids (or other affected areas). The tannic acid in tea helps ease the ouch. To soothe larger areas, brew 5-7 bags in a large pot. Let the water cool and place in the fridge. Once the tea water is chilly, soak it in towels and place on the skin.

Aloe

It’s not food, but we can’t help but mention it. Chilled aloe is hard to beat for relief. The phytochemicals in aloe gel bring cool relief and healing for minor burns. Aloe gel also moisturizes the skin and can cut back on that gross peeling skin. Just remember to try aloe gel on a small spot first to make sure you’re not allergic.

Soothers from the Pantry

You probably already have these time-tested ingredients in your pantry. Here’s how to mix ‘em up for sunburn relief:

Oatmeal

Economical, healthy, good for your insides and out, its soothing properties also offer an anti-itching bonus.Take a cupful of oatmeal and wrap it in clean cheesecloth or gauze. Run some cool water through it, catching the liquid in a bowl. Ditch the oatmeal (or save it to eat later) and soak compresses in the oatmeal liquid. Apply to sunburn every two to four hours.

Kids may like the idea of soaking in an oatmeal bath instead. Fill the tub with tepid or warm water, but not too warm that it doesn’t feel refreshing. Pour a cup of ground-up oats in the bath and soak for 20 minutes.

Oatmeal “floaters” in the bath may be too gross for some, so an oatmeal paste may be the ticket. Use a food processor or blender to crush a ½ cup of uncooked oats until it forms a powder. Add ¼ cup milk and 2-3 tablespoons of honey. Mix well and apply to skin. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes and rinse off with water in a cool shower.

Cornstarch

This can be made into a paste with a little water. Spread the paste on the skin, and when it dries, rinse it off with water. For more comfy snoozing, sprinkle some cornstarch on their sheets to reduce friction.

Vinegar

If you're fresh out of oatmeal and cornstarch, the astringents in a cup of apple cider or white vinegar added to a tepid bath will provide relief – if your kids can take the smell.

Baking Soda

Another gem! Liberally sprinkle in a tub of tepid water and let your kid soak to their heart’s content. Don’t dry it off, just let the solution stay on the skin, but if it feels too drying, rinse it off with water.

Don’t Make the Same Mistake Twice

The burning and itching should prove to be a reminder to be more careful next time. Here’s what to keep in mind when you do decide to go out again:

Apply a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Higher-number SPFs do block slightly more harmful ray’s but no SPF can block 100% of the sun. Don’t forget areas like your earlobes, the backs of your hands, and the back of your neck. Skin cancer can develop on lips too. Use a lip balm or lipstick with an SPF of 30 or higher. Reapply every two hours and always reapply after swimming or if you’re sweating it out playing beach volleyball.

Sunscreen shouldn’t be used on babies younger than six months. Look for sunscreen that are specifically created for babies and toddlers sensitive skin. The ingredients listed may be zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.

Sunscreen is available in sprays, gels, sticks and creams. Sprays are easier to put on wiggly kids, but make sure you apply enough and that they don’t inhale while you’re spraying. Creams are best for the face or those with dry skin. Sticks are good to use around the eyes.

You can burn anytime of day, but be extra careful from 10 AM -3 PM and 11 AM to 4 PM daylight saving time.

How do you help soothe a sunburn? Share your tips with us!

Tags : health   safety   first aid   



No Comments.

RELATED POSTS