SUNBURN
BY NOW, MOST PEOPLE ARE AWARE of the long-term effects of excessive
sun exposure: wrinkles, loss of skin elasticity and skin cancer. But it's
still not uncommon to be surprised by an accidental sunburn. Hazy skies don't
filter the rays that burn. Water and snow reflect the sun, increasing your
chances of turning uncomfortably pink. High altitudes and southern locations
increase risk of sunburn. And sometimes, because the warm rays of spring
just feel so good after a long winter, it's easy to forget about their strength
and bask half an hour too long, resulting in a good bit more healthy glow
than you had planned on.
DRUG TREATMENT
Analgesics
Aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, paracetamol. Function: relieve pain and (except
paracetamol) inflammation. Aspirin side effects: heartburn, indigestion,
stomach irritation, mild nausea or vomiting. Ibuprofen and naproxen side
effects: continuous use may irritate stomach lining; long-term use at high
doses may damage the kidneys or liver. Paracetamol side effects: long-term
use or higher dosages may damage the kidneys or liver.
Topical Anaesthetics
Lignocaine (Dettol Antiseptic Pain Relief, Dermidex Spray, Solarcaine Gel,
Vagisil Cream), benzocaine (BurnEze, Solarcaine), benzocaine and chloroxylenol
(Lanacane Cream). Function: soothe local sunburn pain. Side effects: increased
skin reactions to sun exposure.
HERBAL REMEDIES
Aloe (Aloe vera)
This plant's ability to soothe burn pain is so well known that some chemists
stock it right next to the sunscreen. You may not have known that aloe is
also anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal, and it speeds healing.
If you have an aloe plant, simply slice the leaf lengthways, scoop out the
inner gel and apply to burned skin. If you buy your aloe vera gel, try to
pick one without artificial colourings or preservatives.
Tea (Camellia
sinensis)
Both green and black teas are cooling to sunburns. And the antioxidants in
tea can mop up the harmful unstable molecules called free radicals that result
from any injury, including sunburn. Just wet a tea bag with cool water and
apply to a small
sunburned area. For larger areas, toss the tea bag in a cup of hot water,
steep for 5 minutes and remove the bag. Put the tea in the refrigerator for
about 30 minutes, and apply it with a clean cloth as you would any other
herbal compress.
Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)
This astringent tightens swollen tissues, decreases inflammation and soothes
sunburns. You can find a liquid form of witch hazel in most chemists. Simply
apply to sunburned skin with a flannel as often as needed.
Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
Anti-inflammatory, astringent, antiseptic and cooling, calendula promotes
healing of mild burns. You can make a tea by steeping 1 to 2 teaspoons
of dried calendula flowers in 1/4 litre of hot water for 10 minutes. Strain
and chill; use as with any other compress. You can also find calendula
in many forms in health food stores.
Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea, E. angustifolia, E. pallida)
When applied to the skin, tea made with this herb improves the healing of
wounds and burns. To make a tea, simmer 2 teaspoons of minced root in 450
millilitres of water for 10 minutes, or steep
1 teaspoon of dried leaf in 1/4 litre of hot water for 5 to 10 minutes. Strain,
cool and apply to the skin with a clean cloth.
Plantain (Plantago spp.)
Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory, plaintain contains the tissueknitting
substance allantoin. Best of all, it grows nearly everywhere as a common
garden weed. To use it, simply crush a fresh leaf and apply directly to a
bum. If you're travelling where you can't get to a chemist, this is a good
emergency remedy for minor burns and bug bites.
St John's Wort (Hypericum
perforatum)
You may have heard of this herb in connection with depression, but it is
also anti-inflammatory, reduces pain, and speeds healing of wounds and minor
burns. Make a tea by steeping 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried flowering tops in
1/4 litre of hot water for 10 minutes. The water will turn red. Strain,
cool and apply to your skin.
HELP FROM THE KITCHEN
Vinegar is a time-tested remedy for sunburn. You can dilute it with an equal
part of water and splash over mild burns. You can also put 1/ litre of
vinegar in a bath of tepid water and have a soak. Any kind of vinegar works,
but apple cider vinegar is more strongly scented and wine vinegars can
stain clothes, so either distilled or white vinegar is usually the best
choice.
