One would think a tan is the worst of our problems with the arrival of summer. Alas, the sun can poison us too. Before you roll your eyes, let me shed light on the matter.

We all know over-exposure to sunlight and its ultra violet radiation (UV light) can cause severe sunburn. If this sunburn begins to affect your health, it’s time to ring the alarm bells.

So, how do you recognize sun poisoning and what are you going to do about it? I have all the dope right here, collected from experiences of hapless friends. Do take a look.

How Can The Sun Poison You?

We’ve all been sunburned at some point. Tanning begins barely 15 minutes after you step out, maybe before. It is the UV light that causes it (1). Stay out longer in intense sunlight and the skin becomes red and splotchy.

You may not realize it immediately, but the UV light is slowly poisoning you. Sun poisoning is a severe case of sunburn that does not heal without intervention (2).

Symptoms include,

• Red blisters on skin
• Inflammation
• Pain, tingling sensation
• Swelling, including face
• Fever and chills
• Fatigue
• Headache, confusion
• Dizziness, feeling faint
• Nausea
• Dehydration

If you have pale or fair skin, you’re more prone to sun poisoning. Those unfamiliar to tropical heat also develop these symptoms immediately.

I’m Too Cool For The Sun:

“Get some sun” will ever be just that. ‘Some’. I need my vitamin D and to confess, I enjoy the warmth of the rising sun. But, a lot of sun never helped anyone. Shall we look at some remedies to cool down sun poisoning?

1. I Am Where The Water Is:

Keep yourself hydrated, it is very important. Sun poisoning brings quick dehydration, which is why drinking enough water keeps the uncomfortable symptoms at bay.

Avoid dehydration by replacing lost water and electrolytes constantly. Water will also hydrate your dry skin, keeping it moist.

2. Bathing Temperatures Take A Dip:

For a change, bathe in cool water to soothe your poor inflamed skin. You can add a few drops of lavender and chamomile essential oils to enhance the relaxing feeling. Without using harsh soaps, simply dip yourself in cool, not cold, water.

Alternately, you can apply a cloth dipped in the water over the burns for similar effect (3).

3. Gel It Up With Aloe Vera:

Aloe vera gel has a cool, soothing effect on burning, itching skin. This stands particularly true when there is sun poisoning. Apply the gel twice or thrice during the day on the affected parts for relief. It is best to apply gel from a freshly cut aloe vera leaf.

4. Where Is My Sweet Calamine?

Calamine lotion helps considerably with blistered skin. Keep the skin moisturized without fail to avoid peeling and itching. Apply calamine lotion directly on burnt skin for relief.

5. This Milk Is Not For Drinking:

Take Joey’s example and pour the milk over your body. No Kidding! Cold milk is one of the best home remedies for sun poisoning.

If you don’t like the mess, use a cloth dipped in cold milk to use as a cold compress. Gently dab the sensitive skin with for at least 30 minutes before rinsing off.

6. Cover Me In Cucumbers:

Sliced cucumbers have a cooling effect on the skin. When applied on burned skin, the vegetable juice draws out the heat and reduces discomfort. The same principle applies for potato peels and onion slices. You can also apply grated cucumbers and potatoes as an effective treatment for sun poisoning.

7. Honey, I’ve Missed You:

Honey, with its anti-bacterial properties, is ideal for sunburns. It prevents any future infections while healing affected skin. You can further mix honey with turmeric powder and basil leaves. Apply the resultant paste to burned skin to deal with irritation.

8. Cool Me Down With Chamomile:

Chamomile tea, when cooled down, has a wonderfully soothing effect on sun poisoned skin. It calms down the irritation and enables healing once applied on the affected area. You can add chamomile to your bath water as well. Apply it regularly for quick results.

9. It’s Green Tea Time All Day:

Green tea, like chamomile tea, is also a great home remedy to treat sun poisoning. Treat severe blisters and rashes with the application of cooled green tea on the burned area. Apply it frequently, at least two times a day, for best effect.

10. Here’s Some Baking Soda For That Rash:

Baking soda, when mixed with water, makes a quite a therapeutic paste for sun poisoning symptoms. Apply the past over the affected area. This will help with your rashes as well as the pain associated with them.

11. A Little Vinegar Is All You Need:

Mix two spoonfuls of vinegar in equal amounts of water. That is all you need to watch the substance work its magic on the sunburn. Vinegar or apple cider vinegar has healing properties on the skin. It restores the skin’s pH balance and offers comfort.

12. Shield Me With Thy Yogurt:

Yogurt with live cultures works splendidly at protecting us from external infections. It improves immunity while handling any microbial invasion in blistering skin.

Use yogurt generously to treat burns and blisters from sun poisoning. Apply it frequently to help cool the skin. Yogurt will further reduce swelling, pain and allow your skin to heal.

When You Step Out Into The Big Bright World:

Sun poisoning can strike any time, what with sun intensity at its peak these days.

1. Wear sunscreen with SPF 30 at all times
2. Apply it 30 minutes before stepping out into the sun (4)
3. Re-apply every two hours or after you’ve had sweating
4. Places with sand, water and snow reflect sunlight more intensely. Beware!
5. Limit going out into direct sunlight between 10am and 2pm
6. Cover yourself with protective clothing, hat and sunglasses when out
7. Reconsider usage of tanning beds as they are unsafe
8. Ensure skin is moisturized and you are hydrated

Now that we’re armed with all the ‘cool’ remedies, I am certain we would give new meaning to the phrase ‘cool as a cucumber’.

Do let me know your experiences with the sun. Share your thoughts and comments in the space provided below.

The post These 12 Simple Home Remedies For Sun Poisoning Can Be Your Life Savior! appeared first on STYLECRAZE.

by Sruthi Chowdhry via STYLECRAZE