Summer is in full swing and the list of summer activities to partake in is endless.  As we spend more and more time outdoors – we are prone to sunburns if proper precautions are not taken.  Last week I put together a treatment plant for a patient who had gotten sunburned, Naturopathic Medicine has many effective first aid remedies!

Most Americans enjoy tanning their skin but most of us don’t realize that a tan is evidence that the skin was trying to protect itself from sun damage.  Sun damage can lead to premature aging of the skin, eye damage and even skin cancer.  Melanin is a substance that is produced by the skin in response to exposure to the sun, melanin helps prevent the body from taking in too many damaging sunrays.  Tanning products, tanning beds, sprays and pill expose you to additional risks and can be more harmful to the skin.

Everyone needs a healthy dose of sunshine, remember all the press that Vitamin D had been getting the past couple of years?  You can help your own body make Vitamin D with a little exposure to sunlight.

Here are a few tips for healthy exposure to sunlight:

1. Start out with small amounts of sun – 5-15 minutes.  People with lighter skin color need less time in the sun.
2. Do NOT get burned!
3. Watch out for moles that change shape and/or color – these should be evaluated by a dermatologist.
4. If outside for longer amounts of time – wear a hat, sunglasses, and protective clothing to cover as much of your skin as you can.
5. Sunscreens can also help protect your skin from some UV rays. Visit the EWG’s Sunscreen Guide to find sunscreens that are safe for you.
6. Remember if you are in and out of the water or perspiring sunscreens need to re-applied!
7. Sun rays are the strongest between 10 am and 4 pm, if possible avoid being out in the sun for too long during these hours.

If you do manage to get sunburned, here are some tips:

1. Mild sunburns can be soothed by a cool compress of milk and water (use equal parts of both).  Soak a soft cloth in this solution, wring out and apply to sunburned area for 15-20 minutes.
2. Aloe Vera gel can be really soothing to sunburns, if you have an aloe plant, you can apply the gelatinous substance inside the leaves generously over the affected areas.  Aloe Vera gel can also be purchased from most drug stores.
3. Stay out of the sun!
4. Cool (not ice cold) showers or baths can help soothe the pain.
5. Do not apply topical anesthetic medications or butter or oil to any burn.
6. Taking oral supplements such as Vitamin C and Vitamin E can help reduce sunburn reactions.

If blistering covers a significant part of your body seek medical attention.  Stay cool this summer and remember to stay hydrated!