Cooling Sunburn

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Good Morning!

 

Cooling Sunburn

 

The overexposure to the sun is damaging. Whether you tan or burn,

your skin has already gone through a process of UV rays that cause

inflammation and sometimes swelling, blistering, peeling, and pain.

 

Prevention and precautions are the most important in treatment.

Applying sunscreen (SPF 15, at least), wear UV-protective sunglasses,

and limiting your time in the sun will help avoid this problem. Stay

out of the sun when it's high in the sky; this is when the UV rays

are more intense (from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Choose clothing that

covers your skin - hats, lightweight, long-sleeved shirts. Pure aloe

vera rubbed into the skin can help to heal. Take antioxidants to help

block the chemical reactions that can trigger cancer's uncontrolled

cell growth. A suntan is a warning. It tells you that your skin has

been burned. Ignore repeated warnings, and you may end up with

wrinkles, age spots and skin cancer.

 

Here are some tips to protect your skin:

 

-Limit your time in the sun. Avoid the strongest ultraviolet (UV)

sunlight, which is between midmorning and midafternoon. Be aware that

UV light reflected from water, sand, snow and cement can be as

intense as direct sunlight. Sunlight intensity increases as you get

closer to the equator. It also increases about 4 percent with every

1,000-foot increase in elevation. Clouds can block brightness but may

allow up to 80 percent of UV light to reach your skin. Wear

protective clothing and sunglasses. Loose, long-sleeved cotton shirts

and hats with at least a 4-inch brim offer good protection.

Sunglasses should have at least 99 percent protection against both

ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) sunlight. Wearing

sunglasses is particularly important when you're around water and

snow, where failure to use eye protection can result in a painful

burn to the outer layer of your eye (cornea) and temporary blindness.

 

-Use sunscreen. Many moisturizing and makeup products now contain

nongreasy sunscreens with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or

higher. They're good to use all day, every day, even if you live in a

cloudy climate. Children and teens who use sunscreen regularly can

significantly decrease their lifetime risk of basal and squamous cell

skin cancer.

 

-Apply sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher, 15 to 30 minutes before

you go in the sun and, use a sunscreen on your lips. Use water-

resistant sunscreens and reapply every 2 to 3 hours — more often if

you're swimming or sweating.

 

-If you're in intense sunlight, use a total sunblock, like zinc

oxide, on your lips, nose and ears. Sunblock comes in sun-sticks for

children.

 

-Even with sunscreen, protective clothing is a good idea. Recent

evidence suggests that sunscreen alone may not provide adequate

protection against melanoma. Some researchers theorize that because

sunscreen allows you to stay in the sun longer, it may actually

increase your risk of melanoma. However, the research is very

controversial. In addition, sunscreen does help protect against basal

cell and squamous cell cancer.

 

-Don't use tanning beds or tan-accelerating agents. Tanning beds emit

UVA rays, often touted as less dangerous than UVB rays. But UVA light

penetrates deeper into your skin, causes precancerous actinic

keratoses and increases your risk of skin cancer. As for suntan-

accelerating products, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns

against their use. Artificial tanning agents, which essentially stain

your skin, are generally safe.

 

-Ask your doctor about medications you take. Many drugs can increase

your sensitivity to sunlight and your risk of getting a sunburn. Some

common ones include thiazide and some other diuretics, tetracycline

and sulfa antibiotics, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such

as ibuprofen, in dosages used to treat arthritis.

 

-If you do develop a sunburn, take aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil,

Motrin) for pain, apply cold compresses and avoid further exposure

until the burn heals. A sunburn spray may help relieve pain.

 

-Examine your skin regularly. If you see changes in the size, texture

(rough, smooth), shape (round, irregular), or color of blemishes, or

you have a sore that doesn't heal, see your doctor immediately. Make

sure your doctor examines all skin surfaces.

 

-Don't assume it's safe to stay in the sun just because you're

wearing sunblock. Sunblock alone doesn't protect you from skin

cancer. Being sun smart is best: Avoid the midday sun, wear sun-

protective clothing and then wear sunscreen on exposed skin, in that

order.

 

 

Herbal Remedies

 

Aloe Vera is the best natural pain reliever. Apply the gel directly

from an Aloe vera leaf to the burn. Re-apply every hour until the

pain diminishes.

 

White Willow Bark is the natural version of aspirin. This pain

reliever can help with with inflammation.

 

Calendula tincture can be taken under the toungue, as well as, added

to body cream and can be applied to sunburn to soothe pain and help

promote tissue repair. It is an anti-inflammatory and can help to

repair of damaged tissues. The cream is applied three times per day.

 

Gotu Kola has been used in the medicinal systems of central Asia for

centuries to treat numerous skin diseases. Saponins in Gotu Kola

beneficially affect collagen (the material that makes up connective

tissue) to inhibit its production in hyperactive scar tissue.

 

Dried gotu kola leaf can be made into a tea by adding 1–2 teaspoons

to boiling water and allowing it to steep for ten to fifteen minutes.

Three cups are usually drunk per day.

 

Gotu Kola tincture can also be used at a dose of 10–20 ml three times

per day. Standardized extracts containing up to 100% total

triterpenoids are generally taken in the amount of 60 mg once or

twice per day.

 

 

Aromatherapy Remedies

 

Aromatherapy can help relieve some discomfort and minimize the damage

to your skin. A bath in essential oils can help draw out the pain of

the sunburn and help in cooling down the skin. Lavender oil and other

blends can help the dry, cracking skin. Essential oils such as

Lavender, Chamomile, Peppermint and Patchouli can be very helpful.

 

Sunburn can happen very easily if you are not careful. Dilute one

part tea tree oil with ten parts of olive oil or coconut oil and

spread freely over the affected areas. This is soothing and pain-

relieving and to reduce blistering and peeling. People have also

applied tea tree oil full strength to sunburn.

 

Be aware that many citrus oils increase sensitivity when you go into

the sun.

 

 

Nutritional Advise

 

It's a good idea to drink a lot of water to help counteract the

drying effect of a burn. Distilled water is the best. Drink at least

6-8 8 ounces of water a day. Plenty of fluids should be taken as the

sun can quickly dehydrate the body.

 

Watermelon juice and its seeds were traditionally offered to thirsty

travelers, and they are still important today. This flavorful fruit

is one of the best remedies for dehydration and summer heat symptoms,

which include thirst without desire to drink, band-like headache,

nausea, low appetite, heavy, weighted body sensation, low motivation,

sluggish digestion, increased body temperature, sticky sweat, surging

pulse, and red tongue with thick white or yellow coating. Watermelon

cools and cleanses the system, clearing summerheat and acts as a

natural diuretic.

 

Diet for second and third degree burns is very important. Eat high-

protein foods for tissue repair. Eat lightly but wisely. A balanced

diet will help provide the nutrients your skin needs to regenerate

itself.

 

Even common foods can trigger a bad reaction. Often, people will

lighten their hair with lemon or lime juice. A potent

photosensitizer, lemon and lime juice can cause dermatitis every

place as the juice runs down the face and arms. This only tends to

happen to those individuals who are photosensitive.

 

Potassium, 99 mg. per day, is lost during sunburn, must be replaced.

 

Protein (free form amino acids), taken as directed on the label, is

needed for tissue repair.

 

Vitamin A capsules, 50,000 IU per day until healed.

 

Vitamin E capsules, 100 IU per day (may increase slowly to 1,600 IU

for third-degree burns), aids in healing of scar tissue and aids in

tissue repair.

 

Vitamin C plus bioflavonoids, 10,000 mg. per day, is needed for

tissue repair and healing but also reduces scarring. Aloe vera gel,

apply 3 or 4 times per day, is good on burn after healing starts,

reduces pain and scarring.

 

Calcium, 2,000 mg. per day, is necessary for pH balance and potassium

utilization and reduces stress on tissues.

 

Magnesium, 1,000 mg.

 

Silicon, taken as directed on the label, helps repair connective

tissue.

 

Unsaturated fatty acids, taken as directed on the label, is needed

for tissue healing.

 

Vitamin B complex/PABA, 100 mg. per day, is important for serious

burns, PABA is good for protecting the skin.

 

Vitamin E ointment, use ointment on burn after healing starts or open

a capsule and apply, helps prevent scarring.

 

Zinc , 100 mg. per day for a month, then reduce to 50 mg. per day, is

used for tissue healing.

 

 

Hydrotherapy

 

The mysterious and amazing healing power of water has been utilized

for centuries. Water cleanses, refreshes and restores all life. We

are always drawn to water. Be it a soothing fountain or majestic

waterfall. Water is a carrier. It flows. It moves along the line of

least resistance to find its way to the ocean where comes and goes in

the ebb and flow of tides and waves. The appeal is inexplicable! We

crave water, maybe because our bodies are made up of a large percent

of it. Maybe beacuse we instinctively know how it can heal us.

 

Hydrotherapy is the use of water in any form, in the treatment of dis-

ease. Hydrotherapy was used by the ancient Greek physicians. The use

of baths for such purposes as well as for religious purification,

personal cleanliness, and private or social relaxation dates from at

least the time of ancient Greece. A German, Vincenz Priessnitz,

popularized the use of spas in Germany and elsewhere in Europe, where

they are still popular today.

 

Take a cool bath. Fill the bath tub with cool water. Soak for 15-20

minutes. Afterward, gently pat your skin dry with a clean towel. Do

not rub your skin or you'll irritate it further.

 

The following substances can reduce pain, itching, and inflammation:

 

*Mix 1 cup of white vinegar into a tub of cool water.

 

*Generously sprinkle baking soda into cool bath water.

 

*Sprinkle one cup of oatmeal (pulverized) into cool water.

 

 

Compresses are wonderful to relieve the sting of sunburn. Try any one

of these varieties:

 

*Milk protein is very soothing. Mix 1 cup skim milk with 4 cups

water, then add a few ice cubes. Apply compresses for 15 to 20

minutes; repeat every 2 to 4 hours.

 

*Oatmeal water is soothing to the skin. Wrap dry oatmeal in

cheesecloth or gauze. Run cool water through it. Discard the oatmeal

and soak compresses in the liquid. Apply every 2 to 4 hours.

 

*Moisten a cloth with Witch Hazel. Apply often for temporary relief.

For smaller areas, dip cotton balls into the liquid and gently press

it on the burn.

 

*Cornstarch compress. Add enough water to cornstarch to make a paste.

Apply directly to the sunburn.

 

 

If sunstroke occurs, effective therapy may save the patient's life.

Without delay, the nude patient should be placed in a bathtub filled

with ice water. This WILL NOT cause pain, shock, or cutaneous

vasoconstriction. The patient's temperature will need to be monitored

carefully.

 

Remove from bath when temperature falls to 103 F. or 39.4 C. If ice

water and a bathtub are not available, place wet sheets on the nude

body, fan vigorously, and massage the skin. The use of sedatives may

be required to control convulsions. Careful observation of the

patient for signs of fluid imbalance and renal failure will be

required for several days.

 

If first or second degree burns, apply cold water compresses

immediately.

 

 

Homeopathy

 

This medical system uses infinitesimal doses of natural substances to

stimulate a person's immune system and body's natural defenses.

Homeopathic remedies are named for the plant or animal ingredients

they are made from. Homeopathy not only offers relief from temporary

disorders but, can provide long term healing of a person due to its

individual and " wholistic " approach. This often leads to a complete

recovery from the dis-ease, as well as, providing an improved

understanding of the patient's situation. This type of healing makes

it easier and possible to avoid recurrence or relapses in the future

and homeopathy stimulates the body's natural defense system by

reestablishing normal immune system and cell functioning.

 

For sunburn:

 

Arnica: This is a valuable first-aid remedy to help reduce pain and

swelling and prevent the onset of shock after any injury. Another

remedy that is more specific to the burn should be considered after

Arnica.

 

Cantharis: This remedy is indicated for extreme burning pain, when

the person is very intense and restless. It is often useful in

reducing or preventing blister formation. Cantharis can help with any

burn, but is most often indicated for severe ones (second or third

degree).

 

Hypericum: This remedy is often helpful when the pain of a burn is

intense and the nerves are extremely sensitive. Along with the usual

discomfort of a burn, stabbing or shooting pains may be felt in the

injured area.

 

 

Managing Your Sunburn

 

Are You Photosensitive? Certain drugs, soaps, or cosmetics increase

your sensitivity to the sun and lead to a burnlike dermatitis. If you

are not sure, check with your doctor.

 

Antibiotics, tranquilizers, and antifungal medications can cause

reactions, as can oral contraceptives, diuretics, drugs for diabetes,

and even PABA-containing sunscreens. Always ask your doctor about

potential side effects of any oral drugs you may be taking.

 

The best way to cool down an acute flare-up is with ice. It will help

reduce swelling. For best results, put an ice pack on the site of the

pain 15 or 20 minutes. Do this for a day or two.

 

 

Moisturize your skin. Soaks and compresses feel good and give

temporary relief, but they can make your skin feel drier than before

if you don't apply moisturizer immediately afterward. Pat yourself

dry, then smooth on some bath oil. Consider Angel's Mist Massage &

Body Oils or soothing Angel's Mist Body Lotions. Let it soak in for a

minute, then re-apply. For added relief, try chilling your

moisturizer before applying it.

 

Give yourself time. Time is the best healer. The way we train our

thoughts also has extreme control over our pain.

 

Again, the following tips are very important:

 

*Apply a sunscreen about 30 minutes before going out, even if it's

overcast. (Harmful rays can penetrate cloud cover.) Don't forget to

protect your lips, hands, ears, and the back of your neck. Reapply as

necessary after swimming or perspiring heavily.

 

*Take extra care between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. when

the sun is at its hottest.

 

*If you insist upon getting a tan, do so very gradually. Start with

15 minutes' exposure and increase it only a few minutes at a time.

 

*Wear protective clothing when not swimming or sunbathing. Hats,

tightly woven fabrics, and long sleeves help keep the sun off your

skin.

 

 

Enjoy the summer!

 

 

Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac.

http://www.peacefulmind.com

Therapies for healing

mind, body, spirit