Sunburn Help with Homeopathy...

Just what is good prevention?
Other folks in other hot climates know a few good things about dressing for sun exposure. They wear long sleeves in light reflective colors and in fabrics that are breathable. A hat, even a scarf, and sunglasses that filter UV radiation from 10 am to 2 pm are good ideas too. If you insist on bare skin, wear sunscreen when outside for long periods; the zinc oxide products seem safest.

And what has good nutrition to do with sunburns?
Remember, a burn is an inflammatory process, so ......taking extra Vitamin A (mixed carotenoids 25,000 IU daily) and Vitamin E (d-alpha-tocopherol 500 IU daily) for several days after a sunburn can speed the healing process.
Drink plenty of water or electrolyte replacement, this will also speed recovery. Drink at least one ounce of water per 2 lbs of body weight if dehydrated.
No caffeine!!!!! Caffeine can contribute to dehydration and dehydration will mean the inflammation will be more painful and more serious.

What are some good treatments for sunburn?
Consider External Applications of one of the following:

  • Aloe vera gel

  • Calendula creams, ointments or sprays

  • Hypericum tincture as a spray

How to Homepathy Tip:
Make your own cooling and healing Calendula or Hypericum spray:
• Using a small sterile spray bottle
• add 4 to 8 ounce of clean water
• add a droppersful of Calendula and/or Hypericum tincture
• spray on affected areas
• replace the solution after a few days.

Homeopathic Treatment Options for Sunburn

• Homeopathic Decision Tree

sunburnchart.jpg

A few important thoughts:
Remember that not all sun exposure is bad. Sun exposure for 15 to 20 minutes per day (for light skinned people) or 20 to 40 minutes per day (for dark skinned people) is good for you and your bones and your mood. Infrared saunas are becoming popular in the treatment of pain and to speed healing. See the works of John Ott.
If any burn persists or worsens, use good judgment in seeking care.
If you are prone to skin cancers due to sun exposure, this symptom pattern can be an important clue to your constitutional care. Homeopathy is not allopathy. Using more and more homeopathic medicines for each piece of your health puzzle is probably missing the bigger picture of your constitutional susceptibility. Seek constitutional homeopathic care for such chronic problems.

First published 26 March 2007

Lynn Amara