SOOTHING IDEAS: Expert offers cool sunburn-healing techniques

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Nothing screams summer quite like a painful sunburn.

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As temperatures rise and folks flock to the beach en masse, statistics show that one-third of adults will experience at least one sunburn this year. Adults under age 30 are most susceptible to scoring a scorcher.

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Liberal and consistent applications of sunscreen is the primary way to avoid skin damage, but what happens when you do end up with a burn?

Using wet tea bags to soothe the skin or applying towels dipped in black tea to the burn is not a bad idea, it turns out.

“This is one of the more surprising folk remedies that dermatologists don’t mind,” Dr. Tiffany Libby, board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Brown Dermatology in Rhode Island, told the New York Post.

“Black tea contains tannins and antioxidants that can have anti-inflammatory and soothing effects. Cool — not hot — steeped tea bags or compresses can help relieve pain and redness temporarily.”

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It’s important that the tea being used is cooled and the skin is free of blisters before applying, Libby added.

Those aren’t the only healing methods.

Aspirin or ibuprofen

Taking the proper painkillers can help even though skin can “burn” hours after exposure, as our inflammatory response to UV radiation can cause redness and pain in the aftermath of a sunburn.

“Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin or ibuprofen can help by reducing this inflammation. They don’t stop the burn, but taken early, they may help blunt the severity of symptoms like redness, swelling and discomfort,” Libby said.

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Got milk?

Some might have heard that cold milk and Greek yogurt are popular choices to help soothe a burn, but Libby leans toward one dairy product.

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“The proteins, fat and pH of milk can create a soothing barrier, and cold milk compresses can help reduce heat and irritation,” she said. “Greek yogurt has probiotics and lactic acid, but it’s more likely to cause a reaction due to its acidity and additives.”

Libby said to avoid yogurt altogether and choose cold milk compresses instead.

Up for debate

Unsurprisingly, internet searches will produce a sort of Wild West version of remedies, many of which are questionable, including the use of vinegar.

While vinegar is a source of acetic acid, which has mild anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, it’s not the proper fix.

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“It’s acidic and can actually irritate or burn compromised skin, especially with more severe sunburns. You’re more likely to end up with additional discomfort or even chemical irritation. Stick with proven, gentler remedies,” Libby said.

Combining hemorrhoid cream and vitamin E is another no-no, according to Libby.

“Hemorrhoid creams often contain hydrocortisone and phenylephrine, which can temporarily reduce inflammation and redness. In theory, a tiny amount could calm a sunburned area, but these creams are not formulated for facial skin or sunburned skin, so they may cause irritation or breakouts,” she said.

Applying vitamin E directly to damaged or sunburned skin can cause allergic reactions for some folks.

Worth a try

Aside from aloe vera, Libby recommended hydrocortisone 1% cream, colloidal oatmeal baths, refrigerated moisturizers, staying well-hydrated and avoiding occlusive ointments early on.

For more health news and content around diseases, conditions, wellness, healthy living, drugs, treatments and more, head to Healthing.ca – a member of the Postmedia Network.

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