CEBU, Philippines - It felt good to indulge in the sun. But you’ve done it all in one time.
You prided in that great tan on you. But you’ve overdone it.
Now, the nasty blisters and the peeling skin are causing you the misery. Some say aspirin would be of great help. But you’re already sore about the pesky inflammation and wished you had better joined the rest on stay-cations. Simply being away from the sun could have saved you from fretting over snafus.
But enjoying the great outdoors has given you a life. In fact, it has given your existence its essence. So nature never stops working wonders for you. Here are some natural remedies — frugal and fab — to ease the flaming, intense pain of sunbaked you.
Green tea. Attribute the soothing effects to the anti-oxidants and tannin acid of green tea. Brew as much green tea and cool it down. Bring it to your tub of cool water (not cold) and indulge in a dip for 15 to 20 minutes. Reuse the teabags on affected parts of your face like your nose, cheeks, chin, forehead and eyelids.
Milk. Some health experts recommend one part milk to one part tepid water for compress to fully maximize the cooling properties of milk. You may also use clean gauze pads.
Turmeric. This yellow ginger variety is skin candy. Peel turmeric and pound. Rub it on affected part. This is based on ancient Ayurvedic medical practices. Turmeric may also be prepared in equal amounts with sandalwood and a little cool water. Apply on skin and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes. By the way, what can’t turmeric do?
Aloe vera. This is something to consider because there are people who are allergic to its components. Do not go for processed products claiming to have aloe-based ingredients. The lotion or gel traps the heat instead. Pick it off a fresh plant. The coating is sticky though and might leave more rashes on the skin, but its cooling effect soothes the burned skin. Aloe vera also has a good reputation, for two millenniums influencing various cultural medical practices, to be a “plant of immortality†for its many healing benefits to skin problems like baldness and inflammation, and even intestinal disorders. And even when you’re not a fan of gardening, it’s easy to spot in tropical places like ours because it grows like weeds.
Eggs. Beaten egg whites also help as a first aid remedy. But you have to leave this on affected area for half an hour. You have to repeat the procedure the next day to ensure efficacy.
Vinegar. You may smell like some vinagraited fish or salad, or perhaps a walking bottle of pickled bilimbis (kamias). But many burn victims attest to the immediate healing effects of white vinegar. Pour on some on the affected parts but do not rub. Or if you have low tolerance to the smell, dilute one part vinegar to one part water and use a clean washcloth to dab (compress) the liquid to the affected parts. Apple cider vinegar is also recommended. You may opt to use a sprayer for a most-convenient schitz on a throbbing section of your cracking red-as-lobster skin. A cool bath may do away the itchiness, so add two cups of vinegar to a pail of water. A sponge would also be helpful on nasty swollen areas.
Cucumber. This vegetable is our skin’s best friend. Blend slices of cucumbers and apply it on the affected area for 15 minutes. Wash off with cool water. Another suggestion is to make a puree out of peeled cucumbers and rub it on to the skin. (FREEMAN)