While the best way to deal with a sunburn is to prevent it in the first place that isn’t always possible. There are many popular home remedies for a sunburn. Here are a few:
Aloe Vera: The aloe vera plant is one of the most popular remedies for all types of burns. Some people simply break off the leaf of the aloe vera plant and squeeze the juice over the burn. Other users recommend an aloe vera gel, which provides gentle cooling along with better coverage of the burned area.
Vinegar: Soak towels in vinegar and apply directly to burned skin to help ease the sting. Another method is to pour a cup of vinegar into a cool bath for soaking.
Tea: There are several ways to use tea to treat a sunburn. First is to wet teabags and apply them directly to the burned areas. Another is to simply toss a few teabags into a cool bath and soak in it. Finally, you can soak a towel in tea and apply to the affected area. (The tea will stain the towel, though so it is best to use an old towel).
Cold Milk: Soak a cloth in cold milk and apply to the burned area or you may even take a bath with with two cups of milk. Afterward, take a cool shower (You don’t want to smell like sour milk).
Baking Soda: Add a cup of baking soda to a lukewarm bath and soak.
Water: A cloth soaked in cool water can provide relief without being messy or smelly.
Oatmeal Water: Wrap dry oatmeal in gauze. Run cool water through it. Throw away the oatmeal and soak towels in the water. Apply towels to burned areas.
Cornstarch Paste: You can make a paste of cornstarch and water and apply the paste directly to your sunburned skin.
Vegetable and Fruit: Some people find relief from thin slices of cucumber, potato, or apples. Others use mashed strawberries or pureed tomatoes and apply it directly to the burn.
Plain Yogurt: Yogurt can be applied to skin, then washed off in a cool shower.
Mustard: This home remedy claims to provide relief and help turn a mild sunburn into a tan. Rub mustard directly on the affected area and let it dry.
Olive Oil: Olive oil applied to the burned area can help prevent blistering and cool the burn.
Shaving Cream: Apply shaving cream to the burn as needed. Any brand will work to relieve burning and itching.
Diaper Rash Cream: Diaper Rash ointment will help restore moisture to the skin and relieve some of the itching.
Alcohol: Take a saturated washrag of 70% isoproal alchol and put over the sunburned skin. The alcohol will penetrate into the skin and pull out the burn.
While water compresses or cool baths may provide some relief, they may also dry out your skin. You may want to (gently) apply a moisturizing lotion or oil to your skin to prevent dryness.
Besides these home remedies, there are a number of over-the-counter products designed to treat sunburn. Better yet, try to avoid getting sunburned in the first place!