by 
The sun. We’re glad it’s back, but as our cloud cover disappears, we’re faced with the annual affliction of sunburns. It’s always best to cover up and use sunscreen to prevent harmful UV exposure, but in the event of a sunburn, here are five inexpensive but effective treatments:
1. Drink water and take ibuprofen
It is important to hydrate. Chances are, if you’ve been exposed long enough to be burned, you’re also dehydrated. The anti-inflammatory drug Ibuprofen reduces swelling and alleviates pain. Like any medication, Ibuprofen should only be taken according to the suggested dosage.
2. Cool your aloe lotion in ice
Aloe Vera possesses a multitude of vitamins and minerals that benefit the skin and boost the immune system. When cooled, aloe gel or lotion can reduce body temperature and release the heat of a burn.
3. Add oatmeal to your bath
The proteins in oatmeal are great for damaged skin. Soak 1-2 cups to a warm bath to help relieve your pains. Oatmeal also has fats that lock in moisture and curb itching.
4. Apply honey to the burn
Not only does it taste good, honey is made up of enzymes that heal the skin. Honey is also antibacterial, antimicrobial and thick enough to create a barrier like a bandage. For large burns, try diluting with apple cider vinegar and coating on like lotion.
5. Apply cold yogurt
A few tablespoons of cold yogurt can provide a lot of relief. The cold yogurt cools the skin, the probiotics help the skin repair itself and rumor has it the lactic acid absorbs dead skin cells. Leave yogurt on for ten minutes and wipe off three times on the same day of the burn, using aloe in between applications.
Editor’s note: This article was first published on Family Share. It has been republished here with permission by the Family Share Network.