Whats your secret sunburn relief?

[PrincessPatty]

I have been slowly tanning in a tanning bed (yes I know---very bad) but it seems to help with my S.A.D that I get every winter.

Well I went to a new place with a friend, and the owner let me tan free that day to try and get me to come back, Im not sure what happened since I had a base tan, but I fried, and I am currently in some pain (no blisters!)

So I want to know what all of you do for some sunburn relief, I have been using Aloe Vera gel and advil.....

 

[bcsmom]

I basically use the aloe vera just like you. They do have the stuff in the can. You can spray it on any skin irritations, & it feels cold when it comes out. I can not remember the name, but they have it in the walmart pharmacy area. Maybe someone here can help me out with the name. I think Advil is good too, because anti-inflammatory effect.

 

[LindsayDunn228]

You do know there are MANY other options to treat SAD besides a tanning bed.

 

[Marseeya]

I agree with Lindsay.

My favorite sunburn relief is Noxzema.

 

[DawnCt1]

If you know you have burned and you are within four hours of sustaining that sunburn, topical steroids, the perscription strength work best. In a pinch you can use OTC hydrocortisone cream but its not as affective. When DS#4 and I were in Labadee for a cruise, sustained a bad burn on his calfs in a very short time. By the time we got back to the ship he was starting to become very red and very sore. I used the Topicort immediately and another dose four hours later. In the morning the redness was soreness was completely gone. Its worthwhile rescue therapy because this was a burn that would have ruined the rest of his vacation....and mine. Having said that however, nothing beats sunscreen. Just because the signs and symptoms of a burn vanishes with steroid treatment doesn't mean that the sun damage is gone. That is cummulative and permanent.

 

[disneynutt1225]

I'm very pale and if I'm not careful I get as red as a lobster in the sun. I went to Bath and Body Works a few years ago and purchased their after sun body wash - it has Aloe and I want to say passion fruit but I could be wrong. I've never felt better after a sunburn! I've tried regular aloe gels, Solarcaine, painkillers, cold showers, you name it. The B&BW stuff really worked the best for me. You have to grab it relatively early in the season though, it sells out FAST!

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I have a big tub of Silvadene...it expired but it still works. Or we use the "ICE" gels.

 

[SunFloridaDisney]

You do know there are MANY other options to treat SAD besides a tanning bed.

ITA, pm me if you want, I suffer from SAD every year, and know exactly what to do to stay relatively symptom-free. BTW March is always worst for me, all this rain and gloom..........but I'm doing pretty well. Not too much longer now.

For the sunburn, aloe is the best. My grandparents lived in Florida for years, and Grandma had huge aloe plants growing in her yard. She would pick a leaf (or whatever they're callled) and cut a slit in it, the gel would come out in a glob and she would slather it all over us. Kinda messy (and somewhat smelly) but it worked like a charm.
The bottle stuff is lots easier. Good luck.

 

[sleepyone]

You'll smell like a pickle but, bathing in a full tub with 1/2 cup of vinegar helps me. It sounds odd but, it does take the sting out. I also like Noxema better than Aloe.

 

[LindsayDunn228]

ITA, pm me if you want, I suffer from SAD every year, and know exactly what to do to stay relatively symptom-free. BTW March is always worst for me, all this rain and gloom..........but I'm doing pretty well. Not too much longer now.

Hope March passes quickly for you Just FYI, I don't have SAD, was just making a point.

 

[gradtchr]

Noxema is actually my friend when I have a sunburn. I put it on and it's usually gone the next day.

 

[Binkrin]

What, may I ask, is SAD?

 

[TriMom]

Another home remedy that really helps me. Put 2-3 large teabags in a cool bath, soak for at least 15 min.

 

[SunFloridaDisney]

What, may I ask, is SAD?

Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Basically winter-time symptoms of mild (or worse) depression, caused by the lower availability of sunlight. Has to do with lower seratonin levels in the brain, and of course is more prevalent the farther north you go!

Many people benefit from special light boxes that give a daily boost of artificial light to make up for the reduced sunshine.
(Some day when I ever get to move to Florida, hope not to have to take my light box with me!! )

And BTW, thanks Lindsay, I understood your point. Hope the OP looks into options if needed.

 

[kristen821]

What, may I ask, is SAD?

I was wondering the same thing.

 

[MidgeD79]

I have aloe vera spray gel that I keep in the refrigerator.

 

[Zandy595]

Putting aloe gel in the fridge is also a good idea. Make sure you use a good lotion, a couple times a day, after you stop using the aloe. This will minimize peeling and itching.