12 Home Remedies for Sunburns

We all know the basics of child sun safety: Apply sunscreen regularly, cover up with sun-protective clothing, and avoid harsh UV rays between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. But despite our best efforts, kids sometimes get sunburned, and the symptoms that follow can be less-than-pleasant. We're talking about painful skin, redness, peeling, and even blistering—yikes! Thankfully, there are ways to ease your child's discomfort and prevent lasting damage. Keep reading to learn about 12 sunburn remedies to try at home.

Cool Water

When dealing with sunburn, the first step should be cooling down the skin, says Alan Greene, M.D., FAAP. A tepid (but not too cold) bath or shower can do the trick. Don't scrub the skin or use products like bath oils, soap, or bubble bath (they can cause excess dryness). Gently pat the skin dry to prevent irritation, but leave some water on the skin, suggests the American Academy of Dermatology.

Cold Compress

You can also try a cold compress to reduce heat, pain, and swelling. Wrap an ice pack or a bag of frozen veggies in a soft towel and apply to the burn. Never place ice directly on skin, as it can cause more damage. Use the cold compress throughout the day for 10–15 minute intervals.

Moisturizer

Once your skin is cooled, it's time to combat dryness, says Dr. Greene. He recommends using a soothing, alcohol-free moisturizer with vitamin E or aloe. Apply the moisturizer throughout the day to seal the skin's hydration. Hydrocortisone creams can also help if the sunburn is especially painful.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is one of the best remedies for sunburn. The gel from inside this cactus plant eases discomfort, speeds healing, and moisturizes skin. Either split a plant leaf and apply the sap directly to skin, or buy pure aloe vera gel at your local drugstore. Note that some kids have allergic reactions to aloe, so you might want to avoid using it if you're unsure. You can also test it on a small patch of skin first.

Honey

The sticky stuff's been used as a topical burn salve for centuries. "Studies suggest it may work better than some antibiotic creams at speeding up healing, reducing infection, and minimizing pain," says Kathi Kemper, M.D., author of The Holistic Pediatrician. Skip this remedy during the first two days because it can trap heat and stick to other methods. You also should avoid this method for babies younger than 12 months, as accidental ingestion of the honey could put them at risk for developing infant botulism.

Oatmeal Bath

Finely ground oatmeal (sold as colloidal oatmeal in drug stores) works as an anti-inflammatory when mixed with bath water. Make your own oatmeal bath by pulverizing a cup of instant or slow-cooking oatmeal in a blender or food processor until it has a smooth, fine consistency. Pour the powder into tepid bath water and soak.

Witch Hazel

Wet a washcloth or cotton gauze with witch hazel and apply to the skin for 20 minutes. Reapply the astringent three or four times a day (or as needed) to minimize pain and itching. You can thank anti-inflammatory tannins for the soothing effects of witch hazel! That said, you should never apply it to broken skin. If your skin is blistering or already has erosions, skip this option.

Tea

Place a washcloth or cotton gauze soaked in brewed tea—like chamomile, black, or green tea—on the affected area to relieve symptoms. And because tea is all natural, it even works as a home remedy for sunburn on the face.

Coconut Oil

Some experts recommend using cold-pressed, organic coconut oil to fight against dryness and irritation that comes after a sunburn. You should only apply coconut oil after the skin cools and blistering goes away, though, because the thick substance can trap heat and worsen symptoms. Once your skin is ready, which may take a few days, liberally apply the coconut oil to the affected skin.

Baking Soda or Cornstarch

Soaking in bath water mixed with baking soda or cornstarch can relieve inflammation and itching. Alternately, you can mix these ingredients with water to make a paste, then apply it to sunburned skin, letting it sit for 10 minutes before gently wiping away.

Vinegar

The acetic acid in vinegar alleviates pain, itching, and inflammation from sunburn. Pour 1 cup of apple cider vinegar into tepid bath water and soak. You can also apply diluted vinegar to sunburned skin with a washcloth for 10-15 minutes at a time. Keep in mind that direct application of vinegar can lead to chemical burns. So, do not use it unless it is diluted.

Hydration

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, "a sunburn draws fluid to the skin's surface and away from the rest of the body." That's why drinking plenty of liquids is important to prevent dehydration. Also serve fruits and vegetables with high water content such as watermelon, grapefruit, celery, and cucumbers.

When to Call the Doctor for Sunburn

Sunburns should heal within three to five days. In addition to the methods outlined above, children should wear loose-fitting clothing, resist popping blisters (this can lead to infection), and stay out of the sun until their skin is healed. And though many parents prefer natural remedies for sunburn, you might want to give your child ibuprofen to reduce pain and inflammation, as long as they're over 6 months old and you've consulted a health care provider.

Contact your pediatrician immediately if your child is under age 1 or if they have blisters, severe pain, lethargy, or a fever higher than 101 F.