Beat the burn
We all love the sun but it needs to be treated with respect. Here’s what to do if you start to burn.
Whether you are staying at home or going abroad this summer too much sun can be dangerous, causing pain in the short term and increasing your risk of skin cancer in the long term. The message is simple. You need to stay in the shade when the sun is at its hottest between the hours of 11am and 3pm and if you do go out you must cover up with a hat and a long sleeved T-shirt and wear sunglasses.
You also need to protect your skin by applying a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. But what if you overdo it by mistake and end up on the pink side? Don’t despair there are some herbal remedies that can help to soothe and cool.
Soothing remedies
Aloe vera is one of the best-known remedies for sunburn and has been used for thousands of years to treat burns. Its juice will soothe any soreness, while speeding up the healing process by stimulating the growth of new tissue.
If you have a plant, slice through one of the leaves and squeeze the gel directly out of the cut; otherwise use a bottled gel or juice preparation containing 96 to 100 per cent pure aloe. It can be used on broken or unbroken skin and reapplied as necessary several times a day.
Calendula flowers are a herbal favourite when it comes to stimulating healing of damaged skin. Calendula creams and lotions are very versatile and make good after sun lotions even if you have escaped the burn. It’s also very antiseptic, so can help to reduce the risk of infection in areas where skin is broken.
Lavender essential oil is a well-known remedy for burns. To cover a large area of sunburn, dilute it in a carrier oil or mix it with some aloe gel before applying.
Camomile can also be very soothing. Make a tea with the fresh or dried herb or buy some teabags and get brewing. Add ice cubes to cool down the tea and apply it to any red or inflamed areas after your shower.
Watchpoints
- If you feel feverish or have extensive blistering with sunburn, see your GP.
- If a burn seems to be spreading, it could be infected, so seek professional help.
- Remember that while your skin is recovering after sunburn, it is vulnerable and will easily burn again so don’t go out until it is completely healed.
Herbal Helpers
- Aloe Vera
- Camomile
- Calendula
- Lavender
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