“The FDA declared its intent to regulate sunscreens back in 1978. The rules are still in bureaucratic limbo. While regulators delay, sunscreen makers can sell products that overstate sun protection and underperform in the real world. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) continues to pressure the FDA to issue enforceable rules for sunscreen products. In the meantime, the EWG publishes the annual Sunscreen Guide rating more than 1,700 products on the market.”
Sometimes a kiss is all your child needs in order to soothe a bump, burn, bruise, or bite. Many a parent has watched pain and suffering melt away from a simple kiss placed in just the right spot. This is particularly effective for babies and toddlers. Unfortunately, with age comes the reality that your kid may want something more than a smooch to make the pain go away. Further, sometimes babies and toddlers need more than your lips to ease the pain.
This chapter is all about times when a kiss just won’t suffice. We’ll be talking about those pesky bugs and insects that sting and bite. We’ll be covering sprains, cuts, scrapes, and bruises from falls and other accidents. Aloe vera will come up repeatedly as we treat burns from the sun and other causes. This chapter will even take you through the best natural treatments for nosebleeds, poison ivy, hives, and even dehydration.
By all means, try the kiss first. It’s the best natural remedy around. However, if you need a little something more in the first aid department, then check out the treatment alternatives discussed here.
How could something as delicious as honey come from an insect as pesky as a bee? When you’re pouring honey into tea or enjoying delicious apples dipped in honey, a bee sting is the furthest thing from your mind. Sometimes you’ve got to take the good with the bad—if honey is here to stay, then the bee sting is too!
When a bee stings, it injects venom into the sting site, thereby affecting the body’s immune system and skin near the sting. The typical bee sting leads to pain, redness, itching, and swelling around the sting site. For those with bee sting allergies, the reaction is more severe and can include difficulty breathing, hives, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. In rare allergic reactions, loss of consciousness can even ensue. Severe allergic reactions of this type are called anaphylaxis and can be fatal if immediate medical attention is not sought.
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Did you know that nearly two million Americans are severely allergic to bee stings? It’s one thing to endure the pain of a sting, it’s quite another to have an allergic reaction. If your child is severely allergic to bee stings, you should always have an epinephrine auto-injector pen with you. It could be a lifesaver.
You’ll identify stings on your child mainly through seeing a raised red spot with a red or white mark in the center of the sting site. The stinging or pinching sensation is usually instantaneous, so your child’s shriek is likely another identifier. While symptoms will often heal within one to three days (or up to a week in rare cases), these treatment alternatives can speed up the healing process and get your child back to appreciating the joys of honey again.
Bee Stings Side-by-Side Comparison
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Homeopathic Apis theoretically works in ways akin to sublingual immunotherapy (allergen solution given under the tongue to reduce sensitivity to allergens) as “like cures like.” While there is no specific study on homeopathic Apis, researchers at Johns Hopkins Asthma and Allergy Center in Baltimore, Maryland, studied the outcomes of insect sting allergies in children with and without venom immunotherapy (using a very weakened form of venom). Studies found that bee venom immunotherapy significantly reduced allergic reactions to stings.
Ice can help instantaneously numb the pain at the site of a sting. Simply apply the ice for 15 minutes, remove for 45 minutes, and repeat as necessary. You can even wrap the ice in a towel if it’s too cold for your child. Also, a homemade paste of baking soda and water can be applied to the sting site to reduce pain and swelling. A clove of garlic can also help reduce pain and swelling symptoms. Cut the clove of garlic in half and apply the inner part of the clove directly to the sting site.
If you’ve ever suffered a bruised ego, first aid was not top of mind. A little soul-searching and confidence-boosting likely soothed you back to good. Physical bruises are anything but emotional, and that’s what this section is all about.
When capillaries break under the skin’s surface, a bruise is the usual result. That traditional black and blue coloring of the skin is the telltale sign of a bruise and can be attributed to blood flowing under the skin from the broken capillaries.
Physical trauma is most often to blame for a bruise. This can come from falling, banging, hitting, or any other type of physical contact that doesn’t result in skin breakage. Also referred to as a contusion, bruises are temporary and can last from a few days to a few weeks depending on the severity of the injury.
Your child’s skin will often change colors during the healing process. The initial black and blue coloring may shift to yellow, purple, or brown throughout the healing time. The bruise site may feel tender to the touch for him as the tissue beneath the skin is tender from the bruise. As he copes with the bruise, the following treatment alternatives can provide relief and expedite the healing process.
Bruises Side-by-Side Comparison
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Scientists at the Department of Dermatology at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, Illinois, studied the effectiveness of arnica in treating bruises. In the study, half of participants had bruises treated with a 20 percent arnica solution while the other half received a placebo. Photos of the bruises were taken on day one and after two weeks for comparison. Results showed bruising healed significantly faster for those patients treated with the 20 percent arnica solution.
Consider bromelain, a natural enzyme with anti-inflammatory properties, to help minimize bruising. It’s naturally found in pineapple and can be taken as a supplement, too. Vitamin C also helps as it naturally strengthens blood vessels, thereby protecting the body from injury-associated bruises. In fact, vitamin C deficiencies can lead to easier bruising in kids. Finally, to help with pain and swelling after bruising, consider ice or a cold compress on the spot of the bruise.
What is it about toddler fingers that they’re programmed to instinctively reach for ovens, candles, and stovetops? That flame is so enticing for little fingers, yet touching it can be disastrous. It’s no wonder parents try so hard to train kids to stay away from fire from babyhood on.
A burn is classified as a flesh injury typically caused by exposure or contact with heat, chemicals, light, fire, or electricity. Burns are classified into three categories based on severity and depth of the burn:
• First-degree burns: affecting the epidermis or outermost layer of the skin, first-degree burns are the least severe and usually cause redness, inflammation, and soreness.
• Second-degree burns: affecting the dermis or second layer of skin, second-degree burns typically cause blistering along with the pain and redness associated with first-degree burns.
• Third-degree burns: affecting even deeper layers of the skin, third-degree burns damage the nerves, hair follicles, and even blood vessels.
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There are approximately 10,000 pediatric burn injuries annually in the United States. For children under age 2 (who account for half of all childhood burn hospitalizations), the most common burns happen to the hands and wrists from touching hot liquids or objects. After age 2, the most common burns happen in fires. Many burns are preventable.
While minor burns will usually heal within a couple of weeks, more severe burns do require medical attention and can result in scarring. Infection can also result if a burn causes a break in the skin exposing underlying layers. The treatment alternatives in this section are most effective for first- or second-degree burns.
Burns Side-by-Side Comparison
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Researchers at the Department of Surgery at the Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences in Iran studied aloe vera cream versus silver sulfadiazine cream in treating second-degree burns. In the study, 30 patients with similar second-degree burns at two different body part sites were chosen. Each patient had one burn treated with topical aloe vera cream and the other burn treated with silver sulfadiazine cream. Results showed complete healing by day 16 for burns treated with aloe vera versus 19 days for burn sites treated with the sulfadiazine cream.
If aloe vera doesn’t help your child, consider calendula ointment. It can help heal minor burn wounds by promoting healing and growth of the skin. Calendula ointment also prevents infection as it contains antibacterial properties. Another treatment alternative is honey. Honey can be applied topically to the burn site; its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties will expedite healing and reduce the risk of infection. Manuka honey from New Zealand is particularly effective for this use.
A scraped knee is considered a rite of passage for kids everywhere. Falling off a bike while jumping ramps, turning the couch into an ill-advised obstacle course, sliding down banisters backwards, and other childhood daredevil moves all cause the occasional cut or scrape.
Unlike bruises, cuts and scraps involve a breaking of the skin as a result of the physical trauma associated. Skinned knees and elbows, along with paper cuts and other minor injuries, all fall into the cut and scrape category. Of course, more severe lacerations require medical attention.
The area of a cut or scrape should be kept clean, particularly when bleeding occurs. This is the best way to avoid infection. Water and mild soap can usually help disinfect in cases of minor wounds. At times, a cut or scrape is more than just superficial and requires treatment. In these cases, one of the treatment alternatives discussed here should heal the cut or scrape quickly and get your kid back to climbing sofa cushions.
As Carrie Donegan and Elena Yorda, authors of the book Essential Oils 101, state, “Try to avoid using a triple antibiotic cream for minor cuts; it’s like using a sledgehammer to crack a walnut. A simpler alternative, Melaleuca alternifolia, can be applied straight to the skin and is a natural antiseptic oil.
Cuts and Scrapes Side-by-Side Comparison
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At the Amala Cancer Research Center in Kerala, India, researchers in the Department of Biochemistry studied the wound-healing power of flower extracts from Calendula officinalis. For the purpose of this study, rats with excision wounds were checked. Researchers found 90 percent wound closure rates for those treated with calendula versus 51 percent in the control group after eight days. Additionally, skin regrowth occurred nearly five days faster for those rats treated with Calendula officinalis.
As mentioned earlier in this chapter, both aloe vera and honey can help with cuts and scraps. Aloe vera naturally contains antibacterial properties to both provide relief and prevent infection. Honey naturally contains hydrogen peroxide that will help disinfect the cut or scrape site. It may also expedite the wound recovery process. If you’ve got onions lying around, you can chop them and mix them into the honey. Coating this mixture on your child’s injury for 30 to 45 minutes can speed healing and provide pain relief.
Did you know the human body is comprised of more than 60 percent water? It’s amazing to think dehydration is even possible. You’d think your body would have this endless supply of water waiting to rehydrate at a moment’s notice. Unfortunately, it’s not quite that simple. If it were, energy and electrolyte drinks wouldn’t fly off the shelves.
The human body needs water to operate properly. Without enough liquids, your child can become dehydrated. Simply put, dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluids than it consumes. Water is not just about refreshment. It helps digest food properly, promotes waste elimination through urine, and even regulates body temperature. Throughout the day, fluids are routinely lost through sweating, urination, and bowel movements.
Your child’s job is to replace these lost fluids throughout the day. Minerals like sodium and potassium are especially important to replace because they help to keep water inside the body’s blood vessels where it belongs. Just replacing water is adequate for mild dehydration but won’t do the trick for moderate or severe deficits.
The first signs of dehydration include obvious extreme thirst. Additional symptoms include lethargy, dry or sticky mouth, sunken eyes, lightheadedness, dark or decreased urine, and dizziness. When the dehydration is accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, or decreased appetite, it’s often a sign of dehydration brought on by a viral or bacterial illness. Regardless of the cause or specific symptoms, the following treatment alternatives can get that water level back over 60 percent.
Dehydration Side-by-Side Comparison
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At the Sports Science Unit at the Universiti Sains School of Medical Sciences in Malaysia, scientists studied the effectiveness of rehydration with sodium-enriched coconut water after dehydration from exercise. For the study, sodium-enriched coconut water was compared to plain water, a sports drink, and fresh young coconut water. Ten healthy male subjects were tested for whole body rehydration and plasma volume restoration after exercise-induced dehydration. After strenuous exercise, participants underwent a two-hour rehydration period drinking one of the four beverages studied. Researchers found the sodium-enriched coconut water to be equally effective to ingesting a commercial sports drink for whole-body rehydration. Furthermore, coconut water avoids unnecessary and potentially harmful artificial ingredients.
If you’re looking for a healthy electrolyte rehydration option, especially for infants and toddlers, consider Nature’s One PediaVance, an organic alternative to Pedialyte. It can be given to your child at the first sign of dehydration and continued until a soft stool is passed (an indicator of proper rehydration). If your child won’t drink the solution, you can make ice pops out of the PediaVance. Additionally, foods high in potassium (like bananas, avocados, almonds, and beans) can help restore hydration as the potassium acts as a natural electrolyte.
Medically known as urticaria, hives are a skin reaction that causes red, inflamed welts to appear on the skin.
Hives can occur anywhere on the body. Often the result of an allergic reaction, hives may also be brought on from stress or heat sensitivity. Either way, hives are an immune system response caused by histamines released whenever the body detects a foreign pathogen.
Beyond the red welts, hives also cause itchiness, stinging, and burning from the increased skin sensitivity. If you’re busy right now Googling photos of the beehive hairdo, close your browser and learn about these treatment alternatives.
Hives Side-by-Side Comparison
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At the HerbalScience Group in Naples, Florida, researchers studied the anti-inflammatory actions associated with nettle extract. Scientists discovered that nettle extract inhibits many of the key inflammatory mediators of seasonal allergies (including hives). Among the positives, nettle extract blocks the release of prostaglandins and histamines, pro-inflammatory chemicals that cause hay fever symptoms. This study provides a clear explanation of the mechanisms by which nettle extract can reduce allergic symptoms like hives.
Hive symptoms and inflammation can be reduced with amaranth seeds. Simply prepare a tea with two tablespoons of amaranth seeds and boiling water. Have your child consume the tea after it steeps for approximately 10 minutes and after straining the seeds. Ginger can also be effective in alleviating hive symptoms, particularly itching and stinging. Mix together grated ginger and boiling water, then add the concoction to a warm bath for your child to soak for several minutes. Finally, sandalwood oil can be effective in reducing itching and speed healing if topically applied to the site of a hives outbreak.
Does it ever amaze you how many insects are in existence? Have you ever been swarmed by mosquitoes and thought, “If there are fifty mosquitoes around me, and there are seven billion people on this planet, there must be 350,000,000,000 mosquitoes living on Earth!” Maybe that’s not an exact count, but it doesn’t even take into account flies, fleas, ticks, and horseflies.
Most common during warm weather months, an insect bite injects venom into the body causing a reaction. In most cases, the reaction is minor including skin irritation, pain, or redness. If your child is allergic to the insect bite, the reaction may turn into hives, difficulty breathing, severe swelling, abdominal pain, and nausea.
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Would you believe there are more than 10 quintillion insects in the world? That includes more than one million different insect species. It’s no wonder insect bites are so common. We’re simply outnumbered on this planet!
In most cases, an insect bite can be treated at home (unless you’re dealing with a severe allergic reaction). The most common insect bites come from mosquitoes, flies, and ants. Spider bites are less common, and our long-legged friends aren’t technically insects anyway—they’re arachnids. Regardless of what bites your child, you’ll want to check out these treatment options.
Insect Bites Side-by-Side Comparison
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Baking soda is a natural pH neutralizer, counteracting most acid solutions. This natural pH-neutralizing effect of baking soda makes it a perfect choice for soothing stings and bites, as many insect venoms are acidic.
Aloe vera, when applied topically, can reduce the stinging sensation associated with a sting or bite. Vinegar applied directly to the bite can neutralize the pain and provide quick relief. Capsaicin (the active component in chili peppers) has been shown to block the pain and swelling caused by melittin, a major bee venom constituent. Finally, ice wrapped in a towel will reduce redness, pain, and inflammation when applied to the bite. Over the course of 1 hour, apply the ice for 15 minutes, and then break for 45 minutes. Repeat until symptoms subside.
When your toddler tumbles down the stairs or trips at the playground, you are expecting the scrape and ensuing blood. However, seeing blood pouring from a child’s nose out of nowhere can surprise even the most mild-mannered parent.
Your child’s nose contains many blood vessels that can rupture, which leads to bleeding. Why, exactly, do nose blood vessels rupture? A variety of factors—most of which are not considered dangerous—can cause nosebleeds. These include dry nose, nose trauma (i.e., getting hit in the nose), allergic irritation, or an infection.
In most cases, blood loss is minimal from a nosebleed and there are no accompanying symptoms. In rare cases, heavier blood loss can lead to feelings of dizziness or lightheadedness. Before the next drops of blood seep from your child’s nostril, get to know these treatment alternatives.
Nosebleeds Side-by-Side Comparison
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At Mount Carmel Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio, researchers studied the effectiveness of nasal saline gel in the treatment of recurrent anterior epistaxis (bleeding from the nostrils) in anticoagulated patients (people on blood thinners at highest risk for nosebleeds). Researchers attempted to discover if the use of nasal saline gel would be an effective alternative to more invasive measures. For this open-label study, 74 patients were given the saline nasal gel to self-apply at the first sign of bleeding. At the three-month mark, the patients were checked and 93 percent had experienced a complete cessation to bleeding symptoms.
Before trying any treatment, you can first pinch the base of your child’s nose with the thumb and index finger for five minutes to see if the bleeding subsides. Contrary to popular belief, you should have your child put her chin to her chest and hold her head down, not up, to limit choking on bloody post-nasal drip. You can also apply ice to the bridge of your child’s nose to constrict blood vessels and stop the bleeding. Persistent nosebleeds can be caused by a deficiency in vitamin C or K, which can be diagnosed by a medical professional. These vitamins can be taken in supplement form or naturally from foods. Oranges, bell peppers, and grapefruit are high in vitamin C, while leafy greens, broccoli, and kale are high in vitamin K.
Back in my grade school there was a girl named Ivy in grammar class. You’ll never guess her nickname. Okay, maybe this section gives it away. That’s right, everyone called her Poison Ivy. It was a real shame because she was the sweetest, most caring, friendliest girl in class. One can only blame her parents for not nickname-proofing her when selecting a first name. Or maybe they were just fans of one of Batman’s archenemies.
Poison ivy is a plant that triggers an allergic reaction when touched. The allergen in poison ivy is called urushiol, and the resulting reaction from contact is called dermatitis.
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Did you know some folks are actually immune to poison ivy? That’s right, these lucky ones can literally roll in it without the hint of a reaction. Before you test your own immunity, or that of your child, keep in mind you can gain or lose immunity as you age. So an itch-free roll one day may be quite the opposite situation a few years later.
If your child comes in contact with poison ivy, the telltale signs are splotchy, red, itchy bumps on the surface of the skin. Your child will likely see these bumps within two days of exposure to a poison ivy plant. Given the 48-hour lapse, you may inadvertently miscategorize this ailment if you forget where your child was two days ago. Additional symptoms include blisters that may ooze, red or flesh-colored skin bumps, and overall skin sensitivity.
In cases of a poison ivy allergy, the reaction can be more severe. Your child may experience difficulty breathing or seeing; swelling of the lips, eyelids, or throat; and more intense itchy sensations.
If your child is showing symptoms of poison ivy exposure, read about the following treatment alternatives to understand your options for soothing your child’s condition.
Poison Ivy Side-by-Side Comparison
Consider jewelweed as an herbal remedy for poison ivy; it can help relieve itching symptoms while healing the rash and can even reduce skin sensitivity. You can simply crush the leaves, mix with a small amount of water, and apply directly to the skin. Interestingly, jewelweed is typically found growing next to poison ivy. So if you accidentally touch poison ivy and you realize it, just look “next door” to find jewelweed.
And not to be forgotten, 2 to 3 drops of tea tree oil mixed with a teaspoon of a carrier oil (like grapeseed oil) will reduce redness and itching associated with poison ivy. Finally, snag some oatmeal from the kitchen cabinet and make a warm oatmeal bath for your child to soak and soothe.
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Scientists in the Department of Dermatology at the University of California in San Francisco studied kaolin as a preventative measure for poison ivy. Kaolin was found to be 95 percent effective in protecting against poison ivy outbreaks. For poison ivy that was already contracted, tea tree oil was studied for treating the itching sensation by researchers at Skane University Hospital in Sweden. Researchers in the Department of Dermatology found the tea tree oil to be an effective anti-itch agent for those experiencing symptoms associated with poison ivy.
We sure do need our wrists, ankles, and knees to get through the day. These body parts are critical for walking, changing direction, picking stuff up, and climbing. It’s no wonder sprains are so common. How can any body part be expected to perform so many actions and not twist or tear here and there?
A sprain is an injury to a muscle or tendon that typically includes a stretch or tear of the ligament (a band of tissue that connects bones or links joints). Sprains can occur anytime, caused by anything from exercise to an unexpected fall.
If your child sprains a body part, he’ll feel localized pain at the site of the sprain and possibly swelling, bruising, or decreased mobility. In many cases, you’ll wonder if it’s a sprain or a break and need to seek medical attention (including an x-ray) for official confirmation.
Once you know it’s a sprain, not a fracture or break, consider these treatments to get your child back on her feet again (unless, of course, it’s a sprained wrist).
Sprains Side-by-Side Comparison
| Conventional Remedy | Treatment Alternative | |
| Generic Treatment | Naproxen | Comfrey extract |
| Sample Brand Name Treatment | Aleve | Burt’s Bees Res-Q Ointment |
| How it works | Aleve contains naproxen, which provides temporary relief from pain caused by injuries like a sprain. | Burt’s Bees Res-Q Ointment uses herbal ingredients to topically treat symptoms of an injury such as a sprain. Ointment helps expedite healing and promote new cell growth. |
| Dosage | Children under 12 years of age: consult a doctor prior to use; children 12 and older: take 1 tablet every 8-12 hours as needed. Do not exceed 2 tablets in 8-12 hours or 3 tablets in 24 hours. Drink 8 oz. of water with tablet. | Apply a thin layer of ointment topically after site of injury is cleaned 2 times per day until symptoms subside. |
| Active Ingredients | Naproxen | Comfrey |
| Common Mild Side Effects | Diarrhea, dizziness, upset stomach, mild heartburn, constipation, gas, bloating | None |
| Less Common Serious Side Effects | Allergic reaction, vomiting blood, black or bloody stools, faintness, severe stomach or abdominal pain, stiff neck, changes in behavior, jaundice, changes in hearing, swelling, weight gain, changes in urination, changes in vision | Allergic reaction |
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Comfrey is known in folk medicine as knitbone based on its traditional use in healing fractures. The herb’s mechanism of action is now thought to be via allantoin, a constituent that speeds up the natural replacement of bone cells. At the Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi in Italy, researchers compared comfrey extract to a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) in the treatment of sprains; 82 patients received comfrey extract while 82 received an NSAID. Comfrey extract was superior to the NSAID in relieving pain, swelling, and tenderness. It is very important to note that comfrey is safe for external use only and should not be taken internally as it can cause severe liver toxicity.
Bromelain, an enzyme naturally found in pineapple, can help reduce the swelling and inflammation associated with sprains. And no matter what else you do, standard sprain guidance involves RICE. We’re not talking about eating spoonfuls of the grain; rather, we’re referring to the RICE acronym:
• R = Rest: avoid putting pressure on the sprained body part, as rest will ensure proper healing.
• I = Ice: apply ice for 15 minutes every 1 to 2 hours to relieve swelling and bruising symptoms.
• C = Compression: wrap or bandage the sprained body part to reduce swelling and promote proper and faster healing.
• E = Elevation: elevate the sprained body part to promote proper draining of fluid buildup.
“Don’t forget to put on sunscreen!” What parent hasn’t shouted these words as their child flies out the door for a day at the beach with friends? If only children could be instantly sprayed with full-body sunscreen the moment they cross the threshold of your doorway to the outside, melanoma could be forced into near extinction.
Sunburn refers to skin damage caused by exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Sunscreen, hats, and proper sunny-weather attire are the best protectors against sunburn. Your child’s likelihood of sunburn goes beyond sunscreen and attire, however. Fair-skinned kids and those with red or blonde hair are more susceptible to damage from ultraviolet rays.
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Sunscreen is classified by strength or SPF, which stands for Sun Protection Factor. SPF numbers typically range from as low as 2 all the way past 60. These numbers refer to the product’s ability to block out the sun’s burning rays. At an SPF of 2, only 50 percent of the sun’s harmful rays are blocked out. At SPF ratings of 15 or higher, more than 93 percent of the sun’s rays are stopped.
Common symptoms of sunburn include red skin that feels hot and is sensitive to the touch. Beyond the uncomfortable feeling of the skin itself, your child may also experience minor dizziness, low-grade fever, blistering, and nausea.
If your child just returned from the beach looking redder than a Maine lobster, run out to the store for one of these treatment options. His skin will thank you later!
Sunburn Side-by-Side Comparison
| Conventional Remedy | Treatment Alternative | |
| Generic Treatment | Benzocaine | Aloe vera, vitamin E, vitamin C |
| Sample Brand Name Treatment | Solarcaine Spray | Jason Aloe Vera 84% Moisturizing Cream |
| How it works | Solarcaine contains lidocaine and aloe vera to help soothe skin and cool the skin. It also adds moisture to the skin. | Jason Aloe Vera 84% Moisturizing Cream helps soothe, hydrate, and repair skin that is damaged by sunburn. |
| Dosage | Children under 2: consult a doctor prior to use; children ages 2 and up: apply spray topically 3-4 times per day as needed for relief. Use should not exceed 7 days. | Apply topically several times per day or as needed while sunburn symptoms persist. |
| Active Ingredients | Benzocaine | Aloe vera, herbal extracts, vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E |
| Common Mild Side Effects | Minor pain or tingling | None |
| Less Common Serious Side Effects | Allergic reaction, severe skin irritation, extreme fatigue, methemoglobinemia | Allergic reaction |
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Vitamins C and E combine as an effective treatment for sunburn according to scientists at Dermatologische Klinik und Poliklinik der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München in Munich, Germany. In their study, participants took either a placebo or 2 grams of vitamin C combined with 1,000 IU of vitamin E. Sunburn reactions were checked before and after eight days of treatment. Researchers found vitamin C and E effectively reduced the sunburn reaction which may also indicate a subsequent reduced risk of UV-induced skin damage. In a separate study at the Pharmacy Practice Unit at Naresuan University in Phitsanulok, Thailand, researchers examined the efficacy of aloe vera for burn wound healing. As discussed previously in this chapter, aloe vera was shown to promote faster healing while soothing burn symptoms.
Calendula ointment can be applied topically to promote new skin growth and expedite healing after sunburn. A bath with chamomile tea also provides natural sunburn relief. Simply steep 4-5 bags of chamomile tea in boiling water and add to the bath for a soak and soothe session. Finally, five drops of lavender oil added to a teaspoon of water or aloe can be gently applied to sunburn areas to reduce inflammation and improve pain symptoms.
The gelatinous interior of an aloe vera leaf.
Aloe vera popped up all over this chapter on first aid for bumps, burns, bruises, and bites. In fact, it was so popular throughout this chapter as a treatment alternative, it deserves its own spotlight.
Would you believe aloe vera usage can be traced back over 6,000 years ago to early Egypt, where the plant was seen on stone carvings? At that time, aloe vera was known as the plant of immortality and was typically presented as a burial gift for deceased pharaohs.
We’ve seen in this chapter that aloe vera is commonly used topically to treat a variety of wounds, burns, and skin conditions. That explains why it’s such a popular ingredient in hundreds of skin products. According to the Natural Comprehensive Medicines Database, aloe gel contains numerous active factors that block pain, itching, and inflammation while increasing microcirculation to speed healing of wounds and burns. Finally, aloe gel seems to possess potent antibacterial and antifungal properties.
