Sunburn refers to redness, irritation, and burning of the skin caused by prolonged exposure to sunlight. It is commonly known as radiation burns. Ultraviolet light from the sun is responsible for sunburn. Sunburns are the first degree or superficial burns that people get on exposed areas like the face, limbs, and back. Natural medicines are excellent for treating sunburn. Homeopathic treatment for sunburn helps by managing its acute symptoms as well as chronic effects.
Top Homeopathic Treatment for Sunburn
Homeopathy offers relief to the patient by reducing the intensity of severe symptoms like itching, redness, and burning. Homeopathy medicines also decrease the risk of blister formation. If blister formation occurs, they help in the gentle healing of blisters. It also lowers the risk of pus formation in the blisters. Following the management of the acute phase, homeopathic medicines also help in the treatment of chronic complaints arising due to prolonged sun exposure. Homeopathy medicines give relief naturally and gently. Homeopathy treatment for sunburn is safe with zero side-effects and can be used for all age groups. Sol, Belladonna, Cantharis, Apis Mellifica, Sulphur are the top remedies.
1. Sol – Top Medicine for Sunburn
Sol is a very beneficial treatment for sunburn. It works well for sunburn of varying intensities, from mild to severe. It is specifically used for sunburn with red, itchy skin. The skin, in such cases, is sensitive to sunlight and burns easily from the least exposure to sunlight. Rashes usually appear on the areas exposed to the sun; like the face, back, and back of the hands. There may be peeling of skin along with the sensation of heat. In some cases, the itching may get worse in the evening. Such patients usually complain of chronic sunburns.
2. Belladonna – Suitable Medicine for Sunburn with Redness
Belladonna is a beneficial treatment for sunburn in cases with redness and burning. The affected area appears swollen, smooth, and red. The skin may get dry, hot, and sensitive to touch. The key feature in such cases is that on touching the skin, it seems to be extremely hot.
3. Cantharis – Wonderful Medicine for Sunburn with Blisters
Cantharis is a very effective medicine for blisters formed due to sunburn. Patients may complain of vesicular eruptions on the face which may be highly sensitive to touch. These eruptions may turn black later. There may also be sharp pain and burning. Patients get relief by cold application to the affected area.
4. Apis Mellifica – An Excellent Medicine for Sunburn with Stinging
Apis Mellifica is a valuable treatment for sunburn which causes stinging and burning. The patient may complain of sensitivity to heat, and dry and sensitive skin. Sudden puffiness may appear in the whole body, and the swollen areas may become sensitive to touch. Apis Mellifica is an important homeopathic medicine for sunburn with water-filled blisters and stinging pain.
5. Sulphur – For Itching Due to Sunburn
Sulphur is a useful medicine for sunburn with lots of itching. The skin looks unhealthy and dry, and small pimples may develop. The patient has the urge to scratch, which may cause burning. In some cases, the itching may get worse at night or after washing. It works well in cases where there has been excessive use of local ointments for sunburn in the past.
What are the Causes of Sunburn?
Most people have experienced sunburn at some point. Sunlight radiates ultraviolet rays of different wavelengths like UVA, UVB, and UVC. Out of the three, UVA and UVB penetrate the skin and cause sunburn. Sunburn is the body’s reaction to the disturbance and damage done by ultraviolet rays to the DNA of the skin cells.
Risk Factors for Sunburn
Developing sunburn depends on various factors like skin type, duration of UV exposure, and the intensity of sunlight. Melanin gives your skin a dark color. It is a pigment that reduces the harmful effects caused by UV rays by blocking it. Hence people with lighter skin are more prone to developing sunburn. People exposed to sunlight for an extended duration of time, like farmers or visitors to the beach, develop sunburn very easily. Sunburn may appear in any season, but it is more common in summers. The chances of developing sunburn are higher if the exposure to sunlight is between 10 AM and 4 PM during the day, since the intensity of sunlight is more during that period. Persons living in tropical areas, high altitudes, or ozone layer depleted areas, are more at risk. Medications like some oral contraceptives and certain antibiotics may put you at risk as well. Sunburn most commonly appears in young children and elderly persons. Males are more at risk of developing sunburn. Other people at risk are those who sunbathe to get a tan.
Signs and Symptoms of Sunburn
Mild exposure to sunlight is beneficial. It helps in providing natural warmth. Secondly, it leads to the synthesis of Vitamin D which is essential for healthy bones. Various signs and symptoms may develop if the exposure to sunlight is for a long duration. Mild exposure leads to minor sunburns with redness and pain in the affected area. There may be redness for several hours following the exposure. The redness may be most prominent after 12 to 24 hours of exposure. The patient may complain of irritation and a burning sensation. Skin is also hot to touch. But in severe cases of sunburn, there may be swelling along with blister formation. Apart from these local symptoms, the patient may complain of a fever with a chill, headache, nausea, itching, and extreme weakness. After a few days, the skin begins to peel off. If exposure to the sun persists for a prolonged time, it may lead to the development of skin cancers.
