If
your child gets sunburned, make sure she drinks plenty of fluids since
sunburns are dehydrating, and keep her out of the sun until she's
healed. Contact your pediatrician immediately if your child is under age
1 or if she has blisters, severe pain, lethargy, or a fever higher than
101 degrees. For mild sunburns, try these all-natural skin soothers.
Ice
Wrap
an ice pack or a bag of frozen veggies in a soft towel and apply to the
burn. Never place ice directly on skin as it can cause frostbite and
more damage.
Cool Water
A cool (but not too cold)
bath, shower, or moist compress takes away heat and pain. Don't scrub
skin or use products like bath oils, soap, or bubble bath.
Aloe Vera
The
gel from inside this cactus plant eases discomfort, speeds healing, and
moisturizes skin. Either split a plant leaf and apply the sap directly
to skin, or buy pure aloe vera gel at your local drugstore.
Honey
The
sticky stuff's been used as a topical burn salve since Egyptian days.
"Studies suggest it may work better than some antibiotic creams at
speeding up healing, reducing infection, and minimizing pain," says
Kathi Kemper, M.D., author of The Holistic Pediatrician.
Oatmeal
Finely
ground oatmeal (sold as colloidal oatmeal in drug stores) works as an
anti-inflammatory when mixed with bath water. Make your own by
pulverizing a cup of instant or slow-cooking oatmeal in a blender or
food processor until it has a smooth, fine consistency. Pour into tepid
bath water and soak.
Witch Hazel
Wet a washcloth or
cotton gauze with this anti-inflammatory astringent and apply to the
skin three or four times a day for 20 minutes to minimize pain and
itching.
Milk
Place a washcloth or cotton gauze
soaked in cool milk on the reddened area to create a protein film that
eases discomfort and reduces heat.
Baking Soda or Cornstarch
Soaking in bathwater mixed with baking soda or cornstarch can relieve inflammation and itching.
Cider Vinegar
Acetic
acid in vinegar alleviates pain, itching, and inflammation. Pour one
cup of white cider vinegar into tepid bath water and soak.
Coriander Oil
Studies suggest rubbing this essential oil onto sunburned skin may reduce inflammation.
