Sunburn

Sunburn is an acute inflammatory condition of the skin cells due to overexposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun (or a solar lamp). The inflammation may be mild or serious, depending on the degree of exposure.

Something more may also be involved, however. Many people use large amounts of chemical products on their skin, as well as internally—chemical deodorants, chemical soaps, chemical perfumes, cough medicines, and numerous other medications. These substances all weaken the skin. When a person who uses a large number of these products lies in the sun, he or she is more prone to burn.

Also, according to Ayurveda, people of pitta constitution, who are generally more fair-skinned, are more susceptible to sunburn.

When sunburn is severe, the person may have many symptoms, including dizziness, nausea, blisters, undue sensitivity to light, and peeling of the skin. Repeated sunburn may create premature aging and wrinkling of the skin, and the person looks old, like a roasted potato!

Ayurveda has numerous recommendations both to prevent sunburn and to treat it effectively if it happens.

TOPICAL REMEDIES TO SOOTHE SUNBURN

• Apply aloe vera cream to the site of the burn. You can also use some pure aloe vera gel (with no preservatives added), or if you have access to an aloe plant, lightly rub a piece of the plant on the sunburned area.
• Coconut oil is also effective for soothing sunburned skin.
• Take a gauze pad, dip it into cool milk (either cow’s milk or goat’s milk), and apply it directly to the sunburn. If you have no milk available, use a cloth dipped in cool water, but milk is better.
• Apply tikta ghrita (bitter ghee) topically.
• Pulverize some lettuce and apply the pulp directly to the sunburn.
• Place an icebag or a bag of frozen food (like corn, peas, or beans) on the affected area to cool the skin. But don’t leave ice touching your skin for more than a minute or two without a break.
• Apply a little fresh cream (from milk) directly on the sunburned skin.
• Make a paste of sandalwood and turmeric by mixing equal amounts of these herbs with a little cool water. Apply gently to the sunburned area. It will have a cooling effect. Note: This paste will stain your skin yellow for at least a couple of days and will also stain any clothing it touches.

TO PREVENT SUNBURN

• Avoid or minimize exposure to sunlight from 10 A.M. to 3 P.M. Those are the peak hours of the sun’s strength.
• Limit your time in the direct sun to no more than half an hour. At high altitudes, even this may be too long.
• Before going into the sun, apply neem oil to the exposed parts of the body. Neem is a good sun blocker that will help protect your skin.

NOTE: As always in this book, “neem oil” does not mean pure neem extract, but a few drops of neem mixed with sesame oil or another mild oil. This is the way neem oil is commercially sold.

• Drink coconut water or coconut milk.
• Follow a pitta-soothing program. Don’t take saunas or get overheated. Eat pitta-pacifying foods, especially avoiding spicy and fermented foods (see chapter 8).
• Before and after showering, apply neem oil to your skin. Coconut oil is also helpful.