Hoodia Latina

AHHH, ALOE
There is a reason the aloe vera plant has been around since the prehistoric times. The gel that oozes out of this cactus contains active compounds which fight pain, infection, inflammation, and can prevent the dreaded post-burn peeling. If you happen to have a plant on your window sill, clip off a couple of leaves and pop them into your fridge. After an hour or two, peel off the top layer of the leaves, give them a squeeze, and rub the gel directly on your sunburn. Or, buy the bottled version (try Fruit of the Earth Aloe Vera 100% Gel) and store in your fridge for a refreshing treatment for toasted skin.

Some people are allergic to aloe, so test out a small patch of skin before applying it all over your body. Out of aloe? Grab some non-perfumed and non-dyed moisturizing lotion instead. Just don’t go for the petroleum jelly or products containing benzocaine or lidocaine. These products can worsen symptoms, clog your pores, and even prevent healing.

DIY TREATMENTS
Raid your pantry for this sunburn remedy which sounds good enough to eat: Add 1 cup of instant oatmeal, 1 cup whole milk, 2 tablespoons honey, and 2 tablespoons aloe vera gel to a lukewarm-to-room temperature bath (hot water will send you screaming with pain, so avoid it!) and soak in it.

The anti-inflammatory effects of the oatmeal mixed with honey’s antiseptic abilities, the soothing power of milk, and pain-fighting aloe create a magically delicious DIY treatment.

Regular brewed cold black tea (its tannins treat pain) or milk also work to sooth skin. Simply keep these liquids refrigerated in a spray bottle and spritz as needed. And for blistering skin, mix up a saline solution by boiling eight cups of water for five minutes, then add a teaspoon of salt. Let it cool completely before applying to your skin with a compress.

If a bad sunburn causes painful blisters, makes you feel faint or dizzy and you have difficulty breathing, feel clammy and nauseated, or you have a fever and the chills, head straight to the doctor. You could have sun poisoning.

Otherwise, continue to soothe your sunburn like you would a hangover or headache. Drink plenty of water and pop ibuprofen or aspirin, as needed. Then, put yourself in a dark, cool room and try to sleep away the pain.

How smart are you about the sun? Take this quiz to test your sun smarts. Then, read up on tips to protect your skin in the sun this summer.