4 Natural Sunburn Remedies Perfect for Kids

from parents.com

If your child gets sunburned, make sure she drinks plenty of fluids since sunburns are dehydrating, and keep her out of the sun until she’s healed. Contact your pediatrician immediately if your child is under age 1 or if she has blisters, severe pain, lethargy, or a fever higher than 101 degrees. For mild sunburns, try these all-natural skin soothers.

Aloe Vera

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.

Honey

The sticky stuff’s been used as a topical burn salve since Egyptian days. “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. Note: Skip this remedy for babies younger than 12 months, as accidental ingestion of the honey could put them at risk for developing infant botulism.

Oatmeal

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

Witch Hazel

Wet a washcloth or cotton gauze with this anti-inflammatory astringent and apply to the skin three or four times a day for 20 minutes to minimize pain and itching.

Parents.com has 6 more natural sunburn remedies. Read about them here.