Got bad sunburn? 7 quick and easy remedies to cure you

2 August 2018, 14:54

By Tom Eames

With great sunshine comes great bouts of horrible sunburn (if you're not careful).

So if you haven't covered yourself properly in Factor 50 and have found yourself all red and achy, then don't panic just yet.

There are a few ways to fix this as quickly as possible, so give these a try:

Cover yourself in shaving foam

EDIT: Let me just clear up a few things. I have been approached by a couple of news companies, and I have given my...
Posted by Cindie Allen-Stewart on Friday, 22 June 2018

This method is rather messy, but it might work brilliantly for you.
The Facebook post above went viral last month, when Cindie Allen-Stewart detailed her 'hack' for fixing sunburn. She recommended leaving shaving cream on the burn for about 30 minutes until the cream has dissolved in some spots and has started to dry out.
The sunburned area will start having a cooling feel, at which point you should rinse with lukewarm or cool water. Usually the sunburn will disappear after a second treatment the next day, she said.
Effective, but messy. So, if you don't want to waste your foam, how about...
Have a bath with cool water and baking soda

This method has been shown to relieve itching and nasty inflammations.
You can also try bathing with apple cider or white vinegar mixed with cool bath water for instant relief.
Lots of moisturizer

Take a bath with natural bath oil, followed by applying a moisturizing cream.
This will help quench your burned skin and you'll start feeling better in seconds.
Take the peas

Picture: Getty

This is a classic for a good reason.
Grab a bag of frozen peas (or similar), and they will help absorb the heat of the burn, constrict blood vessels, and reduce swelling.
Eat the right food

Not only will drinking plenty of water help counteract drying effects of sunburn, but fruit is also your friend here.
For instance, one large wedge of a watermelon can provide 9 oz of water. This will all help the burn clear even quicker.
While you're in the kitchen, you'll find that everyday stuff like milk, lettuce or yogurt applied directly to the burn will help sooth the area.
Create a cold compress

Picture: Getty

Pour some water and ice into a bowl, soak a cloth, and place it over the burn.
Repeat this every few minutes as the cloth starts warming up. Apply the compress several times a day for 10 to 15 minutes.
Bonus tip: Get out the talc

Sleeping with sunburn can be awful. If you sprinkle talcum powder on your sheets it can help minimize any chafing and friction.
Plus, if you have an air mattress, this might also help you sleep more easily as it retains less heat.