Mild Sunburn Relief

Having fair skin and loving to swim, I have had sunburns since I was a child. For mild sunburns (reddened skin, mild heat), I suggest a cool water bath that has vinegar added. Water should be no more than lukewarm when added to the tub. Add a big splash of white vinegar to the water, then soak in it for at least 15 minutes. Do NOT get water in your eyes - it really stings! The longer you soak, the more cooling effect the bath has. Pat dry with a towel (don't rub since that will irritate the skin). Apply a moisturizing lotion or aloe gel, and cover with loose clothing.

By the next day the redness should be gone and tenderness, too. This method is not recommended for toddlers since they splash and "play" too much in the bath and would get vinegar water in their eyes or mouths. It won't kill them, but it can make them cry.

Source: My mother, grandmother, aunts all did this to us when my cousins and I were small - long before SPF sunscreens. Some of the cousins tanned, some burned, but we all played outdoors most of the summer.

By Melody Bressler-Hay from Oak Ridge, TN