D.I.Y. Cures For Summer Burns Slideshow
Immediate Action: Ice or Frozen Bag of Peas or Fruits
What to do immediately for a burn? Place frozen peas or ice wrapped in a cloth and place it on your skin, until you're able to remove it without it burning — this helps prevent blistering. (I kept ice on my arm for several hours.) Make sure not to put it directly on your skin, otherwise you might develop frostbite in that area. If you're able to place the burned area directly in cold water (like your hand for example), then that is probably the best option.
Sweet Sweet Honey
Honey actually has some incredible medicinal properties. One of its uses is on burns because of its healing effects and antiseptic properties. Dr. Weil recommends honey on his website but says that the type that was tested in research studies was manuka honey (easily available commercially). While we wouldn't suggest using a supermarket variety, one sold at your local farmers' market might do the trick. (Honey works well on both sunburns and kitchen burns.)
Calendula Tincture
Calendula is a great multi-purpose first-aid remedy that can be used for burns, healing, bug bites, and to reduce inflammation and swelling. You can also purchase calendula products from many health food stores.
Yogurt
Apply cooling yogurt on affected areas to reduce the burning sensation.
Egg Whites
Soak a bandage or cloth in egg whites and place on the burned area. Though you might smell a little, this standard household food will quickly help reduce your discomfort. Reapply and resoak as necessary.
More D.I.Y. Tips: For generations, many women have been using egg yolks as natural face masks (my mother included). Try using the leftover yolks in the same way by placing them on your face for 20-30 minutes.
Aloe Vera
Yes, we all know aloe vera cures sunburns, but instead of buying the gel from a drugstore (many of which lack enough aloe to be effective), try growing this goregous plant on your windowsill. Not only decorative but also useful in it's healing properties for burns (both sun and kitchen), inflammation, and irritation.
Simply cut off a stalk near the base of the plant, slice it in half lengthwise, and remove the gel inside. Place it directly on the burn and immediately begin to feel it's healing properties.
Whole Milk
Like with egg whites, soak a piece of cloth or gauze in cold whole milk and apply to the burned skin. Leave it for 15 minutes to 20 minutes or until not longer cool, and then wash with cold water, and repeat as needed. (The fat content in milk is what helps sooth the burning sensation, so skim probably won't cut it.)
Cucumbers
As stated in the popular movie Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead, cucumbers are supposedly what every girl over 25 should have in their house. Not just a myth, cucumbers have soothing properties that help swelling. Try placing a sliced round on burned skin or over eyelids.
Tomato Juice
Tomato juice, either combined with milk, or on its own is a good cure for sunburns. Tomato juice also works wonders if you or your pet gets sprayed by a skunk.
Taking a Bath: Oatmeal or Apple Cider Vinegar
Try taking a bath in cold water, and adding one cup of oatmeal or apple cider vinegar. You can also place the burned area in a bowl of the vinegar (if you're able to do that).