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by AB-Joel on August 20th, 2003

AB-Joel

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What is the best way to soothe a sunburn?

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Answers. 40 helpful answers below.

  • by Andy Is Wicked Married to Penal Colony on July 30th, 2004

    Andy Is Wicked Married to Penal Colony

    For a home remedy,try taking a cool shower. NOT COLD. Taking a cold shower or bath can cause the body to go into shock. If you wish to take a bath, you can add vinegar to your water. The vinegar will take out the sting from the sunburn. You can also add oatmeal to your bath (grind ut up in a blender to produce a fine powder if possible or try oatmeal bath that you can buy at your local drugstore).

    If you live near a creek, you can use the bottom stalk of the plant called "Touch-Me-Nots". Take the root section off the plant, and chop them into the blender. Though it looks gross and nasty, the juice from this plant, will take out the sting and itch. This also works well with poison ivy too. Freshly steeped chamomile herbs can help relieve the sting associated with sunburn too.

    Potatoes can be used to relieve the pain from the sunburn. Take 2 potatoes and wash them well. Cut them into tiny chunks and place them into a blender. Liquefy the potatoes. If they are looking dry, add a little bit of water. Pat the areas with the potato juice. Wait until dry and then take a cool shower.

    You can also make an oatmeal pack. Cook oatmeal and wait until it is cold. Place in the refrigerator if necessary. Again, taking a shower to remove the oatmeal pack.

    Once you have accomplished all of this, use Aloe Vera to add moisture to the burn. Ingest larger quantities of liquids as well as keep an eye out for signs of infection. If there are any signs of infection, seek professional care at once! Do not use any oils on burns as they do not allow a burn to "breathe" properly and can worsen the condition.

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  • by Alatea on December 6th, 2005

    Alatea

    Vinegar in bath water is best to relieve the pain of a sunburn. Also apply
    cool compresses to the burn area for a few minutes.

    The best sunburn treatment is not to get a sunburn. Burns are painful during the few days after sun exposure, the long-term damage can be much worse. Sunburns are typically either first- or second-degree and if there are blisters you should see a doctor.

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  • by kaliganges on August 21st, 2003

    kaliganges

    Those of fairer extraction would be advised to keep an aloe plant on hands. Although it's sticky at times, freshly squeezed aloe has cooling properties due to its content of salicylic acid, wound healing chemicals, coagulants and cooling, soothing feeling. It can be an astringent (like rubbing alcohol or witch hazel) so some lotion applied shortly afterwards will help feed your skin as well.

    There is more information here on other sunburn folk remedies:
    http://www.newlifejournal.com/junjul_03/ray_07_03.shtml

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  • by PinkDaisyGirl Got A Prayer Answered on May 1st, 2008

    PinkDaisyGirl Got A Prayer Answered

    When I was little my mom always coated me down in Aloe Vera. That stuff felt really good on a sunburn. :)

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  • by Anonymous on August 2nd, 2008

    Anonymous

    there is no "cure" for sunburn, but i've found spraying on white vinegar and letting it dry does cool the burn a bit. and then later when it starts to heal and gets itchy, gold bond medicated itch powder is wonderful. it not only helps stop itching, but it helps you not have that clammy feeling after you apply lotion.

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  • by Pixie - jeg er elsket on August 2nd, 2008

    Pixie - jeg er elsket

    Cocoa butter is good, it also soothes the skin

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  • by unwantedguilt on May 1st, 2008

    unwantedguilt

    put some ice on it and sit in the air conditioner for awhile it will take the burning feeling away and then aloe.

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  • by -_You Can Leave Your Hat On....- on May 1st, 2008

    -_You Can Leave Your Hat On....-

    invest in a good aftersun moisturiser, avon actually do one, big bottle, reasonably priced, and it works and helps to preserve a tan

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  • by Beany on May 1st, 2008

    Beany

    Stay out of the sun

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  • by Borderlinux on May 1st, 2008

    Borderlinux

    Moon-freeze

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  • by QueenBea on April 13th, 2004

    QueenBea

    Another proven method to add to the wonderful and natural agent, Aloe, is to take a warm bath and add a large bottle or 2 of white vinegar. The smell won't be the greatest, but it helps to take the sting out of the sunburn, and helps ease the tightness of the skin.

    Don't make the bath too cool, or too warm because you don't want to shock the skin any further. I often find that making my bath pretty warm, helps me more, as this degree is not in direct conflict with my already hot skin temp. You can add the vinegar in the bath when you are already in it, or choose to add it as you run a bath.

    Apply Natural Aloe, either from the plant directly, or buy it clear, and apply it, along with any natural based (oatmeal) lotion, on the hour every hour. "Aveno" is excellent for this purpous as it is a non-greasy lotion, and oatmeal has it's own healing factors. As well as any NON-perfumed vitamin E lotion. These will all help ease the tightness of the skin, and help prevent scarring, and bad peeling.

    Also, at any local drug store you can find sprays that are designed to relieve the discomfort of any burn or skin irritation in general. "Solarcaine" is an excellent product designed for just this.

    As with any burn, if it is severe, bleeds, cracks, blisters, or is infected, see your physician immediately. And never forget to apply lots of sunblock the next time!

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  • by pgray1229 on August 2nd, 2008

    pgray1229

    You can apply Aloe or something soothing. My mom used to use Noxema. It helped. But the one thing that really helps is time.

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  • by WarriorFreak on May 1st, 2008

    WarriorFreak

    I agree with the tons of "Aloe" answers. Apparently, milk also helps, but where do you come by tubs of milk? This is how to use a REAL aloe vera plant:

    Cut it down the length of the leaf and open it, revealing the inner. Rub the clear stuff over the burned area. Repeat as often as you like. This is better than most bought aloe vera treatments because it's clear and you know what's in it. Use very mild lotion before bed at night to help keep the skin moisturized. Also, where cotton clothes as to not irritate the skin. Finally, take a cool damp cloth and ust lie around with it on the burn, stay out of the sun, and put on sun screen!

    Err... That was long. I hope it was useful.

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  • by Cantras on May 1st, 2008

    Cantras

    Aloe is ideal, but if you can't get any, dampen a washcloth with milk and dab at it some.

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  • by Kiwi on August 2nd, 2008

    Kiwi

    I find salarcaine to be good relief

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  • by Gabstar on August 2nd, 2008

    Gabstar

    aloe vera is pretty good stuff, especially if you can get the actual leaf and rub the sap onto your skin :) im an expert in sunburn, unfortunatelly... ;)

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  • by Go know thyself is THE RED QUEEN on July 15th, 2009

    Go know thyself is THE RED QUEEN

    Solarcaine.


    Anything with the word cain in it... Usually implies novocaine.


    WHich works for me! Solarcaine with aloe preferrably!

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  • by mommya on July 15th, 2009

    mommya

    actually a warm bath takes out the burn.it might hurt a little.you dont want it hot just warm.then pull out of water and go back in.do that a couple of times before you put on aloe with lidicane.cold keeps the heat in warm gets it out.doctors will tell you that and i burn every year from the time i was born.and it works.

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  • by Eidelweiss on June 23rd, 2009

    Eidelweiss

    Take ibuprofen. It will lessen the pain, swelling, and heat.
    Do not pop the little blisters.
    Continue with the aloe and after sun moisturizer.

    Oh.... and next time use sunscreen! Don't try to get a tan if you are naturally pale. You will look young longer and some men prefer it!

    I recommend a spray-on sport sunscreen. It's quick and easy and lasts longer than an hour.

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  • by C-C. on April 7th, 2008

    C-C.

    The Aloe Vera as mentioned, icecubes, or Noxema skin cream.

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  • by Esteban-- Smart ass Pumpkin on April 7th, 2008

    Esteban-- Smart ass Pumpkin

    plenty of alcohol

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  • by prettypetite on April 13th, 2007

    prettypetite

    I have found that a wash cloth dampened with vinegar is soothing and takes the heat out of a sun burn.

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  • by Adelphine on May 1st, 2007

    Adelphine

    I agree with those who suggested vinegar, but if you put it in a squirt bottle diluted with water, you can keep spraying yourself as long as you need. About 1 part vinegar to 4 or 5 parts water.

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  • by moondawgie on May 1st, 2007

    moondawgie

    Solarcane and soaking in tea.

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  • by MrBLT needs to be contained on April 12th, 2007

    MrBLT needs to be contained

    Solarcaine

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  • by u2o2i2u2 on April 12th, 2007

    u2o2i2u2

    semen works great, squirt it on you and rub it in. good luck

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  • by Snapple on June 23rd, 2005

    Snapple

    I have found that, for me, Aloe Vera Gel is the best way to soothe a sunburn.

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  • by jamamiss on April 4th, 2007

    jamamiss

    I wrote this somewhere else also, but I always use Noxema Medicated Skin Cream. It's messy and has a strong menthol smell, but it will take away the pain instantly. Really!!

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  • by Patti jo on April 4th, 2007

    Patti jo

    I just answered this question a few minutes ago - We would take cool bathes with vinegar in it - It took away the sting - And freeze the sheets in a plastic bag and don't take them out until your ready for bed

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  • by Penny The Wise on May 8th, 2007

    Penny The Wise

    Lukewarm-cool bath with apple cider vinegar. Soak in it fof a while, usually until the sting starts to fade. Then when you get out, rub aloe on the burn, making sure not to rub any kind of oily creams on there. If the burn hasn't fully "cooked" yet, the oils in the creams may make it worse. Then put on some light clothing and hope your friends don't touch you!

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  • by Miss Cookie Monster on May 16th, 2007

    Miss Cookie Monster

    I have tried natural yoghurt, and it works. It soothes the heat and burning

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  • by desichic on July 31st, 2007

    desichic

    Try any of these i found them on a website.

    home remedies for sunburn
    Mix 2 teaspoon tomato juice and 4 tablespoon buttermilk and apply on the face. Leave for 1/2 hour, and wash off.

    Mix olive oil with equal quantity of vinegar and apply an hour before your bath for sunburn relief

    Make a paste of Barley, turmeric and yogurt in equal proportions. Apply it over the area of sunburns for sunburn relief.

    A thin paste of sandalwood applied to the sunburn area is beneficial

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  • by Wurzal Gummidge Has a new LoveJetPack on July 31st, 2007

    Wurzal Gummidge Has a new LoveJetPack

    smother it in natural yogurt it works honest i know ive tried it but dont roll iver in bed like i did or you'll end up with a bed that looks like a trifal

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  • by rigby on July 31st, 2007

    rigby

    aloe vera - best stuff in the world

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  • by Patti jo on July 14th, 2007

    Patti jo

    Pouring vinegar in cool water while bathing , put sheets in a bag and put them in the freezer will help

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  • by Shelby on June 6th, 2007

    Shelby

    Aloe vera, fresh out of the plant. Its goopy, and looks like snot, but it works.

    If there is not an aloe vera plant at your disposal, you can buy aloe vera gel.

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  • by Galeanda on May 16th, 2007

    Galeanda

    Cool black teas is very soothing but if you can get to a health food store get your hands on some calendula tincture and put that on it. It really works. When I use it soon enough, most of the time I don't peel and the redness goes away quickly.

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  • by Jade on May 16th, 2007

    Jade

    Take a cool bath followed by application of Banana Boat Aloe Vera gel.

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  • by AnonymousGirl on June 6th, 2007

    AnonymousGirl

    1. don't get one-- use sunscreen
    2. aloe vera
    3. cold rag or ice pack
    4. loose fitting clothes that won't irritate the burn.

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  • by tdallman on July 22nd, 2004

    tdallman

    Honey - it really works. Coat the burn or any burn asap until the sting is gone. it eliminates the sting as well as minimizes any redness blistering or irritation.

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You're reading What is the best way to soothe a sunburn? - which can also be phrased in the following ways:

  • I got sunburn on my back and now its covered in small little blisters whats the best thing i could do im just putting aleo and after sun moisturizer

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