As warm and attractive as the season of summer may be, we tend to forget how powerful the sun is on our delicate, unprotected skin. Even when you’re in the sunshine, whether weeding in the garden or frolicking on the beach, you usually aren’t aware that you’re being roasted by the sun until it’s too late. And “too late” means that you become aware of the sunburn by the fact that it hurts.

Cold water
Sunburn hurts because you’ve subjected your skin to first degree burns. Applying a cold compress or a towel soaked in cold water can relieve the pain. Mix the cold water with some milk to soothe the burn. A cold, gentle shower will help to relieve sunburn if it’s on larger areas of your body.

Hydrocortisone topical cream
Hydrocortisone cream can be applied directly to the sunburnt area to relieve any itching associated with the skin’s reaction to sunburn.

Aloe vera, apricot or vinegar
A more natural soothing treatment for sunburn is aloe vera. Using the natural plant gel straight from the plant or using an aloe vera lotion will both be effective in treating sunburn. You can also use mashed up apricot flesh, which is effective when left on the affected skin for 15 minutes before being washed off with warm water. Vinegar is also a good treatment for sunburn, but should not be applied to unaffected skin.

Prevention is better than cure
Blondes and redheads have fair skin and thus a higher chance of being sunburned, so take extra precautions in the sun if you fall into these categories. Apply an SPF of 30+ if you plan to be in the sun, but avoid the most dangerous time of sun exposure, which is between 10:00 and 15:00. Wear clothes that provide sun protection.

If you find any abnormalities on your skin that are cause for concern, use your medical scheme benefits and get your skin checked out by a dermatologist.

Image courtesy of: www.redoakfarm.com