Summer is one of the most anticipated seasons for many, but for those with sun allergies, it is the time to pull out their long-sleeved clothes, hats, and umbrellas to protect themselves. Sun allergy is a rare condition, and people suffering from it generally experience intense skin itching and burning sensations a few hours after sun exposure. Besides avoiding sun exposure, one can follow natural remedies to alleviate the symptoms.

1. Aloe vera gel
One of the most useful remedies for sun allergies and sunburns is aloe vera gel. It helps accelerate healing, moisturize dry and irritated skin, and ease discomfort. One can buy aloe vera gel from stores and lather it on the affected area or cut open an aloe vera leaf and apply it directly on the rashes or burns. But, it is always important to patch-test the gel before using it. There is a slight possibility that the user might have an allergy to the plant.

2. Black tea
When dealing with sun allergy or wounded skin, one can use brewed black tea (without any added flavors) to treat it. Soak some gauze or washcloth in black, green, or chamomile tea and place it on the affected area. It can help calm the irritated skin and relieve other related symptoms. Since it is a natural remedy, individuals can easily use it on the face to help with sunburns.

3. Cold compress
One can use a cold compress pack to help reduce the pain, heat, and swelling caused by sunburns or sun allergies and cool down the skin. When using this remedy, ensure that the cold compress pack or the bag of frozen peas is not placed directly on the skin. Doing this can aggravate the burn. To avoid discomfort, wrap it up in a hand towel or a piece of cloth before placing it on the affected area. Use the cold compress multiple times throughout the day for at most 15-20 minutes in one go.

4. Moisturizer
Once the skin has cooled down and the blisters have settled, one needs to focus on repairing the damaged skin. A key aspect of achieving this result is adding the best moisturizing creams and gels to the sun allergy treatment process. It is best to choose creams with aloe vera or vitamin E as major ingredients. A moisturizer will help heal the damaged skin barrier and lock in the required skin hydration. If unsure, one can consult a doctor to find the right creams and lotions to help with sun allergies, rashes, and sunburns.

5. Cold shower
A tepid shower can be an easy home remedy for treating sunburns or sun allergy rashes. It can help cool down the skin, prevent rashes from aggravating, and avoid the formation of blisters. Just like using a cold compress, taking tepid showers or baths can help soothe the skin and provide relief from the inflammation.

6. Oatmeal bath
This is a great anti-inflammatory remedy that can help relieve burns and rashes. Make oatmeal powder at home by grinding slow-cooking or instant oatmeal in the food processor until it reaches a fine, smooth consistency. Add this powder to the tub filled with tepid water and soak in it for 15-20 minutes.

7. Coconut oil
This natural moisturizer can help combat the dryness that comes with sunburns and allergic rashes. But it is important to use the oil only after the blisters have subsided and the skin has cooled down. Coconut oil has a thicker texture, which might trap the heat beneath the layer of the oil, hindering the skin’s healing process. Once the skin has settled, the oil can be used regularly on the affected area. It is best to use cold-pressed coconut oil for this remedy.

8. Honey
Used as a salve for sunburns and sun allergies for decades, honey is another useful home remedy. Studies suggest that honey can help reduce infection, minimize pain, and speed up the healing process. But, some doctors recommend using other methods initially, as honey might trap heat beneath the solution, potentially leading to other complications. It is also best to avoid using honey on infants to prevent accidental ingestion.

9. Sunscreen
It is a key component in dealing with skin allergies. Even though sunscreen might not completely stop sun allergies, it can help lower the frequency and intensity of flare-ups. Individuals with sun allergies should regularly use a broad-spectrum sun protection cream. The best sunscreen for sun allergy rash is one with a high SPF. In addition to regular use, it is important to consistently reapply the cream to maintain optimum sun protection.

10. Creams and ointments
Most doctors recommend applying certain ointments or creams directly to sun rashes or burns. Doing so can help relieve inflammation and itching caused by allergic reactions. While most creams may work for mild to moderate allergies, in cases of severe sun allergy, the doctor might prescribe stronger topical creams to treat the rashes.