Common Summer Ailments: Sunburn

On 2:58 PM by Anonymous

It's that time of the year again! The Summer Season, the time of sun, heat, and fun. As fun as the Summer Season may be, too much sun is never a good thing. Here we explain the Common Summer Ailment of Sunburn. What it is, how to prevent is and a natural remedy to treat it.


Sunburn
What are the signs? The skin is red and there’s pain in the area of the burn.
When your skin is exposed to the sun for a period of time, eventually it burns, turning red and irritated.
Under the skin, things get a little more complicated. The sun gives off three wavelengths of ultraviolet light:
  • UVA
  • UVB
  • UVC
UVC light doesn't reach the Earth's surface. The other two types of ultraviolet light not only reach your beach towel, but they penetrate your skin. Skin damage is caused by both UVA and UVB rays. Sunburn is the most obvious sign that you've been sitting outside for too long. But sun damage isn't always visible.

 Under the surface, ultraviolet light can alter your DNA, prematurely aging your skin. Over time, DNA damage can contribute to skin cancers.

How soon a sunburn begins depends on:
  • Your skin type
  • The sun's intensity
  • How long you're exposed to the sun

If a sunburn is severe seek medical advice. If you have caught too much sun, below is a natural remedy to treat it:

  • The first priority is to cool the affected area. Standing under a cool shower for 10 minutes will provide pain relief and prevent the sunburn getting any worse.
  • Dab cooled chamomile tea gently on affected areas.
  • Apply the gel from the inside leaves of the aloe vera plant for a cooling and regenerative effect.
  • Lavender oil can be applied directly to the skin (only a drop or two is needed) to provide healing from sunburn.
  • Make sure you drink two liters of purified water daily - more if it is hotter than usual or if you are recovering from sunburn or sunstroke.
  • Homeopathics are extremely useful for sunburn and can be found in most pharmacies. The number one remedy for sunburn is arnica, which can be taken both internally and applied externally to the burn for additional support.
  • Limit further exposure to the sun. The skin requires time to heal and regenerate. Use a sunscreen daily.