Skip to main content

Natural and Frugal Sunburn Treatments

It’s happened to us all at least once: The sunscreen may have failed, or been sweated off without re-application, or a small spot may have been missed. The result is an angry red patch of skin, and in extreme cases, blistering and peeling.

For those who are reluctant to get an over-the-counter solution, there are more eco-friendly solutions that are neither expensive nor complicated. In fact, you may already have some in your home right now.

Aloe: A Green Alternative to Burn Ointment

A handy houseplant to keep in the kitchen is the aloe plant (featured in the photo.) This member of the succulent family of cacti contains juices that are extremely soothing when applied directly to burn. Many commercial burn ointments contain aloe for its moisturizing properties, and cutting one of the green leaves and squeezing the sap directly onto the affected area work just as well, with fewer chemicals or preservatives.

If you don’t have a green thumb, and fear killing off your aloe plant before a need for it arises, you can buy all natural aloe gel in most health food stores. Look for one that does not contain any food colouring or additives; unadulterated aloe is not green in colour, it should be clear or at least, opaque. Keep it in your refrigerator so it will keep fresh longer, and reduce inflammation when applied chilled, directly onto burned skin.

Cooling Treatment for Sunburn

Another cool idea is to pour aloe gel into an ice cube tray. When frozen, each cube can be pressed against the burn, cooling, numbing and providing moisturizing properties to skin, which reduces peeling as it heals. Label your ice cube trays: Though all-natural aloe is not toxic – in fact, some aloe drinks exist – it can be an acquired taste, and an unwelcome addition to the unwary drinker.

Sour Cream or Yogurt: Dip Yourself in a Natural Balm

Apply sour cream or yogurt directly to the reddened areas for about fifteen minutes, wash off, and reapply as needed. Yogurt has some natural moisturizing properties, and the casein proteins are often said to be helpful in repairing some tissue damage, though there are few clinical trials to prove it. The cooling properties of a refrigerated product might part of the cure.

Soothing Sunburnt Skin With a Baking Soda Bath

In order to avoid sun poisoning or sunstroke, get out of the sun as soon as you feel light-headed or notice your skin getting sensitive to the touch. If you only notice these symptoms once indoors, take an ibuprophen or acetaminophen pill or capsule, to reduce inflammation. Taking a cool bath with two cups of baking soda also eases the discomfort; direct, repeated pressure on the skin, such as a shower may not be recommended for sensitive skin at this point.

Once out of the shower, keep moisturized: Cocoa butter or shea butter keep moisture locked in. When skin is burned, it looses moisture and begins blistering or peeling. Drink lots of water to keep hydrated as well; if vomiting occurs, do not hesitate to get medical treatment. Health Canada’s web page on sun safety includes tips on what to look for when extreme sunburn strikes, and when to seek medical help.

The post Natural and Frugal Sunburn Treatments appeared first on Downtown Homestead.



from Downtown Homestead http://downtownhomestead.com/natural-frugal-sunburn-treatments/
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Fragrant Winter Shrubs: Perfuming Your Garden: Slideshow

Although sweet floral fragrances are usually associated with spring and summer flowering plants, there are a goodly number of shrubs, bulbs and bedding plants that   perfume   the air all through winter.   Fragrant Winter Plants Fragrant Winter Shrubs Best known of all winter fragrant shrubs is probably Daphne Odora – the flowers may be pink or white – the foliage dark green or green with a silver edge. It should be planted in a semi-shaded area along with another excellent shrub, Sarrococca, which has spicy, small white blooms and glossy pointed leaves – a plant of neat growth habit. Fragrant viburnums are a mid-winter favorite – nurserymen will have a selection of varieties. The Fragrance of lemon blossoms is most delightful in a winter garden – as is that of other citrus. For many months honeysuckle provides a favorite scent and holds great allure for hummingbirds. For a camera buff, what a picture with a humming bird drawing nectar from a garden flower. Insofar a...
Post a Comment
Read more

Buying a Freezer Is an Economical Investment

A freezer is a sensible investment for many households. Money saved in the family budget is one of the primary reasons most consumers opt to buy a freezer. Energy savings rank as another deciding factor. Living green and practicing a healthy lifestyle have prompted many residents to grow vegetable gardens, plus more people than ever are making meals from scratch. Freezing provides a splendid way to store surplus vegetables and save dinner leftovers. Before buying a freezer for the home, consider first how one can get the most savings. A Few Quick Facts about Home Freezers Consumers need to know what’s available when searching for a freezer. Some models require manual defrosting, for example, while others are self-defrosting. Chest freezer sizes vary greatly, ranging from tiny 2.5 cubic feet units to whopping 25 cubic feet giants that take up a great deal of space. Note too, that some units are more energy-efficient than others. Freezers for the home come in three basic styles: Comb...
Post a Comment
Read more

Advantages to Community Gardening: With limited gardening space, consider a community garden.

You might live in a townhouse with a postage stamp-sized yard. Perhaps you live in an apartment building without a balcony or access to green space. Perhaps you have a large yard, but it is completely shaded by large trees, or the soil in your yard is not hospitable to growing edible plants such as tomatoes, herbs and peppers. If this is the case, a community garden plot may be just the solution. Advantages of Community Gardening Good Soil and Sun Exposure Community gardening allows individuals and families to cultivate plants and grow food when otherwise they may not be able to due to conditions at their own home. Many community gardens are located in areas with mostly sunny exposure, perfect for growing vegetables and many varieties of perennial and annual flowers. Tools and Storage are Shared Many community gardens are equipped with garden tools such as shovels, rakes, wheelbarrows, buckets and watering cans, all of which are available for members of the garden to use. Member g...
Post a Comment
Read more