SUNBURN

Description

Sunburn occurs due to exposure to UV sun rays and causes damage to the skin that can lead to skin infections, skin cancer and cause premature wrinkling of the skin. Fair skinned, blue eyed people are at highest risk of being sunburned.

Symptoms : Symptoms of first degree sunburn include redness, tenderness and heat generating from the skin. Symptoms of second degree sunburn include blisters and extreme pain to the affected area, sometimes fever and chills may occur in severe cases.

Lifestyle symptoms

• Check all medication with your physician before exposure to the sun, as some drugs increase the skin's sensitivity to the sun.
• Avoid sun exposure between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm.
• Be aware that UV rays penetrate clouds and are reflected by snow and water.
• Always wear sunscreen, a hat and long sleeved clothing when you are exposed to the sun. Use sunscreen according to label instructions and always apply it before exposure to the sun.
• If you have been sunburned avoid further sun exposure until the burn has healed.
• Drink plenty of filtered water during sun exposure to reduce the risk of dehydration.

Causes :Photosensitivity and/or excessive sun exposure.

Treatment: Sometimes hospitalization is required for severe cases.

ZINC - an antioxidant that helps to repair damaged tissue. Zinc can be found in milk, alfalfa, chamomile, dandelion sesame, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, parsley, brewer's yeast, legumes, rose hip, soybeans, wheat, and other whole grain products. Use according to label instructions. Excess zinc intake may cause copper deficiency. For prolonged periods of zinc intake, copper is recommended ie: 30 mg zinc with 2 mg of copper. Do not use more than 100 mg daily as excess zinc may depress the immune system.

VITAMIN A - an antioxidant that helps to repair damaged tissue. Vitamin A can be found in leafy green vegetables, alfalfa, fennel seed, parsley, rose hip, kelp, lemongrass, yellow fruits and vegetables, milk, cheese and butter. Large dosing is not recommended without strict supervision from a physician as it has potential toxic side effects. Doses over 10,000 iu per day may cause birth defects if taken by pregnant women. Women of childbearing age are advised not to become pregnant during such a course or within one month after ceasing a course. Other toxic symptoms include headaches, fatigue, muscle and joint pain, brittle nails, abdominal upset and emotional instability.

VITAMIN C - an antioxidant that helps to repair damaged tissue. Natural sources of vitamin C include mangos, fennel seed, rose hip, radishes, pineapple, berries, persimmons, silverbeet, paprika, seaweed - dulse and kelp, peppermint, parsley, papayas, kale, cantaloupe, avocados, asparagus, turnip greens and tomatoes. 10,000 mg daily may help with damage from sunburn. Do not use more than 5,000 mg daily if pregnant. Use esterified vitamin C if you use aspirin. Large doses of vitamin C may cause diarrhea, may deplete the body of copper and affect the reliability of oral contraceptives.

VITAMIN E - an antioxidant that helps to reduce the number of free radicals that are released during sun exposure. Vitamin E also helps to repair damaged tissue. Sources of vitamin E include wheat germ, alfalfa, dandelion, flaxseed, nettle, soy products, sunflower seeds, whole grains, asparagus, peas, vegetable oils, peanuts, almonds, butter and walnuts. Use according to label instructions. Take according to label instructions if you suffer from diabetes, overactive thyroid, or are taking anticoagulant medication.

LAVENDER - essential oil. Add six drops to a luke warm bath, agitate the water before getting in and soak for at least twenty minutes.

CHAMOMILE MATRICARIA, GERMAN CHAMOMILE, ROMAN CHAMOMILE. - essential oil. Add six drops to a luke warm bath, agitate the water before getting in and soak for at least twenty minutes. Chamomile tea may be added to the bath instead of oil.

COMFREY, KNITBONE - cold tea. Used in a cold compress helps to relieve symptoms of sunburn. HORSETAIL, SCOURING RUSH, SHAVE GRASS, BOTTLEBRUSH, SILICA. - provides silicon for use in the repair of damaged tissue. Use according to label instructions. Do not take if pregnant.

TEA TREE - diluted can help to heal minor sunburn and prevent against infection.

ALOE VERA, ALOE, ALOE BARBADENSIS - used topically in pure gel form available from heath stores and pharmacists or use the pulp of fresh leaves. Aloe vera speeds the healing process, prevents dryness and relieves pain caused by sunburn. Keep applying until symptoms subside.