Sun exposure and sunburn go hand in hand. Sunburn is characterised by a painful, inflamed skin that feels warm to touch and has a redness to it. This inflammation is often caused by prolonged exposure to Ultraviolet (UV) rays, either from the sun or from artificial devices like tanning beds. While sunburn does not appear instantly, you may start noticing changes within a few minutes of exposure, whereas the redness may start showing within two to six hours after exposure. In contrast, healing may take a considerable amount of time, from a few days to weeks. Depending on the severity of the skin damage, you can either take care of it at home or visit a doctor to get more effective treatment. If you want to approach it more naturally, here are some remedies to try: Also Read: How To Pick The Right Sunscreen For Your Skin: The Ingredients To Look For And Avoid How To Tackle Sunburn Naturally? Dr Swapna Priya, Consultant Dermatologist and Trichologist, CARE Hospitals, Hitech City, Hyderabad, says, “The first action while treating sunburn should be to lower the temperature on the surface of the skin.” “One should avoid using products like soaps and bath oils, which can lead to excessive dryness, and instead stick to a lukewarm shower,” she tells the OnlyMyHealth team. Sharing a few other measures to tackle sunburn at home, the doctor lists: Pat dry the skin instead of rubbing it, as it may cause irritation on the skin. Apply a cold compress of frozen vegetables or ice wrapped in a towel to reduce the swelling and naturally cool the skin. Do not place the ice directly on the area that is affected, as it can cause additional harm. Taking a bath with cornflour or baking soda mixed in water can alleviate itchiness and ease discomfort, or making a paste using these ingredients and applying it to the sunburnt area gives you the same result. Aloe vera is considered one of the most effective treatments for sunburns. The gel produced by the cactus plant has soothing properties that speed up the recovery process and hydrate the skin, leaving it moisturised. It is necessary to stay hydrated after being sunburnt, as it pulls the liquid away from the body to the skin’s surface. This can be achieved by drinking plenty of fluids and consuming hydrating fruits and vegetables such as watermelon, grapefruit, cucumber, and celery. Preventive Steps To Take According to StatPearls Publishing, repeated sunburns can damage skin cells, raising a person’s risk of skin cancer later in life. This damage can also accelerate ageing, leading to wrinkles, sunspots, and leathery skin, the research notes. Therefore, one must take the necessary measures to prevent or reduce their risk of sunburns, especially for those who are more prone to developing sunburns. Dr Priya says, “According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) of the World Health Organization (WHO), ideal protection against the UV radiation emitted by the sun involves wearing clothes that are tightly woven to protect the arms, legs, and torso. Wearing a hat provides protection and shade for the whole of the head. It is recommended to refrain from engaging in outdoor activities during periods of peak sunlight. It is advisable to find shelter whenever possible, and the use of sunscreen is also recommended.”Read NextDoes Eating Mangoes Cause Heat Boils? Know From A DermatologistDisclaimer All possible measures have been taken to ensure accuracy, reliability, timeliness and authenticity of the information; however Onlymyhealth.com does not take any liability for the same. Using any information provided by the website is solely at the viewers’ discretion. In case of any medical exigencies/ persistent health issues, we advise you to seek a qualified medical practitioner before putting to use any advice/tips given by our team or any third party in form of answers/comments on the above mentioned website.