The Australasian Research Institute is the organization performing the research, and is the research division of the Sydney Adventist Hospital. Research scientist Olivia Szeto says that “UV damage is a big problem in Australia. If we can improve your repair process we can limit the number of mutations that can be potentially carcinogenic.” Szeto is hopeful that results from these studies will be available in early 2013.

The two fruits were selected because both grapes and tomatoes contain polyphenols and carotenoids. These have both been shown to have powerful antioxidant properties.

An antioxidants found in tomatoes – known as lycopene – is the key property to a tomatoes anti-aging elements. Lycopene, which is responsible for causing the red pigments in tomatoes and other vegetables, is the antioxidant that researchers are hopeful will guard against sunburn.

Although most people are willing to take the risk of a sunburn in order to spend a day doing outdoor activities, most don’t actually know what’s happening to their skin. When your body tans while being in the sun, it’s actually a natural way of protecting itself. The darker your skin complexion is, the harder it is to receive a sunburn.

Think of a sunburn as your body’s way of healing itself from the damage caused by the sun’s ultraviolet light. These UV rays from the sun are so strong they can burn through your skin and kill the cells underneath. Though your body protecting itself is a good thing, it becomes a problem when you receive too much sun in a short amount of time. It’s a good idea to learn how to properly apply sunscreen to your body so that you can have an extra layer of protection when it comes to these harmful UV rays.

So even though it sounds as though you skin is being burned, a sunburn isn’t actually you skin being burned. It’s more correct to think of the process as a layer of your skin dying. Most people also think that you only receive a tan after your skin has been burned. This isn’t true, as your skin actually begins to tan as soon as the sun touches it.

After boiling up the tea, allow it to cool completely down before applying it to the burned areas of your skin. After the tea cools, you simply use a sponge to wet the infected areas. Make sure the sponge you use is soft and not rough, or it could possibly irritate your sunburn even worse. It’s best to apply this tea remedy after waking up in the mornings, or before you go to bed at night. We recommend just doing it when you plan to take a shower or bath.

Keep in mind that this tea will stain cloth, so make sure to use older cloths and towels. Most people tend to have great relief from the burning after applying the tea just one time. A noticeable difference in redness will probably be noticed as well. If you are not satisfied with the results of using the tea once, it is safe to use this remedy as many times as you like.

Sunburn Relieving Tea Instructions

Here are the step by step instructions for making and using this tea.

1. Brew a large pot of some very strong black or green tea. Green tea will most likely work the best; it contains very strong anti-oxidants which help the inflammation and redness the sunburn has caused to your skin. The anti-oxidants also help protect your skin cells from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
2. After brewing the tea, let it cool completely down. Refrigerate the tea to speed this step up if you wish.
3. If you have a large, full body sunburn, then the easiest way to use this tea is to pour it into a halfway full bathtub of lukewarm water. Relax and soak in the tub water after applying the tea for 20 – 30 minutes, or until the tub water becomes cold.



4. If you have smaller areas of sunburn, try using a clean sponge or cloth to gently soak the burned area. As mentioned earlier, make sure the sponge or cloth is soft and not rough in order not to disturb the burn further.
5. Another way to use this tea is to put the tea into a spray bottle and gently spray the burned areas. This method allows you to easily save the tea, as you can just store the spray bottle in your refrigerator until your sunburn heals. Do not use the tea after a week. This is also great for those going on vacation, as you can make this spray bottle at home before you leave and just store it in the cooler on the trip there. Be careful with this method though, as mentioned above this tea will stain clothing and other cloth materials.

There are also certain days when your risk of getting a sunburn is higher than normal. These are days that have high UV readings according to the Sunburn Index, also known at the UV Index. It’s very important for those with light skin to keep an eye on the UV Index, especially if they are taking these photosensitivity increasing medications.

What Types of Drugs are Photosensitive?

There are many different types of drugs that are increase the sensitivity of a person’s skin to the sun. These may include: certain medications for heart disease, epilepsy, or diabetes; many different medications that are prescribed for the treatment of depression, anxiety, or mental illnesses; some antifungals and some antibiotics; a few skin treatments such as microdermabrasion or chemical peels; some chemotherapy agents; some acne medications; and some antimalarials. If your doctor or healthcare provider has warned you before about the dangers of your medications when in the sun, you should take extreme precautions before you go outside, especially for any extended amount of time.

Sometimes doctors neglect to mention these side effects of medications, so it’s always a good idea to ask if you are unsure. Sometimes these medications will come with a sheet containing information about the side effects and reactions you could get while on the medication. If they do not come with the prescription, ask for a copy of these sheets. Keep in mind that this is very important to those who are starting new medications, or for those taking newly on the marketing drugs, as the list of side effects for a drug can be updated even after it’s approved by the FDA.

Can Over The Counter Drugs Cause Photosensitivity?

Simply put, the answer is yes; even drugs that don’t require prescriptions can increase your skin’s sensitivity to sunburns. This may be a problem if you use these medications on both a short term or regular basis. If you are taking a medication and you notice that you get a sunburn quicker than usual, or the sunburns you get are more severe than normal, you should take extra precautions before going outside in the sun until you are finished with the medication. If your doctor has advised you to take an over the counter medication, then the next time you visit or have an appointment, be sure to discuss this with them.

Here is a list of over the counter medications that can increase your sensitivity to sunburn.

• Herbal remedies such as St. John’s wort and Dong quai.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil), naproxen (Aleve), or aspirin.
• Antihistamines (Benadryl)
• Skin products or fragrances that contain lavender oils, bergamot oils, sandalwood oils, or musk oils.

Weirdly enough, there are also certain sunscreens that can increase you chance of a sunburn. If you use sunscreen and take any of the medications mentioned above, it’s a good to not use any of the products mentioned below. You should also learn how to apply sunscreen properly so that you can protect your skin against the sun. The sunscreens listed below are listed in a “sunburn booster” list from WebMD.com:

• Dibenzoylmethanes
• Salicylates
• Benzophenones
• Cinnamates
• PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid)
• Cyclohexanol

The girl’s mother, Jesse Michener, said the day began with rain and clouds, so she didn’t apply sunscreen to the girls before they left the house. Due to the school’s ban on sunscreen, even if Jesse had applied sunscreen to the two girls before the left, they wouldn’t have been able to use it again while they were at the school that day.

“They couldn’t carry that in their backpacks,” said Jesse Michener. “They couldn’t even reapply sunscreen without a doctor’s note.”

The situation gets even worse when you add in the fact that the youngest girl, Zoe, has a form of albinism that makes both her skin and eyes extremely sensitive to the sun’s harmful rays. The children’s mother questioned the school district about the sunscreen ban and was told the policy had been put into place to protect students against possible allergic reactions by the sunscreen.

Dan Voelpel, a Tacoma School District spokesman said “Because so many additives in lotions and sunscreens cause allergic reaction in children, you have to really monitor that.”

The unfortunate sunburns on the two girls has parents and doctors wondering about the logic of outdoor school fieldtrips that involve long moments out in the sun. The students are also banned from wearing hats on school fieldtrips, as they are also banned at the school.

Dermatologist Dr. Doris Day said “I can’t see any justification for any school to tell a child that they are not allowed to apply sunscreen to protect themselves from the harmful UV rays that we know cause skin cancer. There’s just no reason for it.”

On an interesting note, the only state that allows sunscreen use at public schools without a doctor’s note is California. There are bans on sunscreen use in public schools in all other states. After the severe sunburns the two girls received, the Tacoma school district has said they will change its policy on sunscreen use in public schools.

The school district has issued an apology to the girl’s mother Jesse, and the state of Washington has changed its law to allow individual school districts within the state more freedom when it comes to laws about applying sunscreen in public schools.

How Can I Stop Severe Itching?

First, don’t scratch! Scratching seems like it would help, but it will do nothing except worsen the irritation and possibly introduce infection into your body. Scratching can also lead to scarring, which is something you definitely don’t want.

Secondly, stay out of the sun until you are completely healed. Warm sunlight will aggravate your damaged skin and lengthen the time it needs to heal.

Here are some itchy sunburn remedies to help you deal with the temporary discomfort caused by a healing sunburn.

Tips to Stop Scratching Sunburns

1. Try a lukewarm shower or bath. Add some oatmeal to your bath water because it is good for moisturizing and protecting the skin.

2. Look in your pantry or refrigerator. Many natural food products make great itchy sunburn remedies. Spray your skin three or four times a day with pure white vinegar and allow it to air-dry. Wipe plain yogurt or buttermilk over the damaged area, or soak in a mixture of strongly brewed tea. Slice cold cucumbers and gently rub them into your skin, or make a cool paste of water and baking soda.

3. Place cold compresses or ice packs on the burn. These will reduce any swelling that is present, as well as control intense itching.

4. Keep your skin moisturized. Rub the affected area with some type of moisturizer or over-the-counter sunburn treatment. Petroleum jelly, cocoa butter, A+D Original Ointment, aloe vera gels, shea butter and vitamin E moisturizing lotions will soothe irritated itchy skin and reduce peeling. Avoid harsh soaps that will only dry your skin out more.

5. Try coating the itchy skin with calamine lotion. Some people recommend following the lotion with a covering of Gold Bond Medicated Powder.

6. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. If you aren’t drinking enough, your body has no way to correct the fluid imbalance caused by the sunburn. Dehydrated skin remains itchy and heals slowly.

7. Lidocaine spray or gel will numb your itchy skin. For best results, use an aloe vera gel that contains lidocaine.

8. Apply an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream to the affected area. Any cream that contains 1% hydrocortisone should provide relief by reducing swelling and encouraging quicker healing.

9. Take an oral antihistamine. This is probably one of the best itchy sunburn remedies available. Non-prescription allergy medications contain diphenhydramine, which will ease intense itching. As an added bonus, diphenhydramine also has sedative properties that can help you sleep through an especially severe bout of itching. Look for Benadryl or an equivalent generic brand.

10. Avoid wearing rough clothing that will scratch your skin and further aggravate the itching. Dressing in loose 100% cotton clothing will do a lot to make you more comfortable.

In addition, vitamins A and E are extremely good for the skin. Taking regular supplements will keep your skin supple and help it heal quickly if the sun damages it. Vitamin D is also helpful, but it can be dangerous if you take too much. Be cautious with it.

Keep in mind that this discomfort is only temporary. No matter how bad the itching is, it will go away eventually. Do what you can to take your mind off the itching. Read a good book, or watch an engrossing movie to get you mind on something else other than the itching. For extremely severe sunburns or itching that doesn’t clear up in a few days, you should see a doctor to make sure there isn’t anything serious going on.

Finally, remember that prevention is key when it comes to sunburns, and just a little bit of prevention is worth hundreds of itchy sunburn remedies. You should always use a high-quality sunblock with an SPF of at least 15, keep delicate skin covered and stay out of the sun during its brightest hours.

It’s always recommended to keep out of the sun during the time your skin is healing. Going into the sun after you’ve already been sunburned can cause the burn to become worse, which could make the burning sensation last a few days longer! It’s a good idea to put lotions or home remedies on your skin to help soothe the burning sensation. A very popular method to relive the burn is by using the aloe vera plant. It’s also highly recommended to stay very hydrated as sunburns can dry your body and skin out greatly.

Depending on how severe your sunburn is, you may develop blisters on your shoulders, back, arms, or anywhere else your skin is burned. These blisters are usually a sign of a second degree sunburn, or worse. These burns can be very harmful to your skin and could potentially cause you long term damage, or even some types of skin cancer. These blisters will usually take 1 – 2 weeks to heal, and can be very painful. The best treatment for these severe types of sunburns is to never get them in the first place! Always use extreme caution when going out in the sun. Keep in mind it will usually take a couple of hours to notice a sunburn developing, so even though you may not have the burn on the beach, later at the hotel your skin could be on fire.

All in all, the worst part of a sunburn is over within the first 48 hours unless you are severely sunburns. You can expect the sunburn to be completely gone in around 7 – 10 days, adding a couple days for more severe burns. Remember, sunburns can lead to premature aging of the skin, wrinkles, or even certain types of skin cancer later in life! Always take care of your body and skin before entering the sun.

It’s also a good idea to NOT shave the parts of your skin that are affected by the sunburn. This could cause to further pain and irritation of the skin, and certainly doesn’t help the sunburn. Loose fitting clothing is also good to wear while you have the sunburn, as tight clothing can also be painful and irritable.

An animal’s fur or coat is their natural way of protecting their body against the sun, similar to how clothing and shade protects us humans. Certain types of animals that have little to no hair, such as a pig, are more likely to be at risk for a sunburn than other animals. These animals will have certain behaviors that allow them to protect themselves against the sun, like covering their bodies in mud. The mud forms a protective layer for the pig against the sun. The mud pretty much acts as sunscreen for the pigs. Rhinoceroses use this same mud covering strategy, and other animals like elephants will cover themselves in dust.

Which Animals Are At Risk?

Generally though, mammals are the most likely of all animal groups to receive a sunburn. Similar to humans, it depends on the animal’s habitat, pigmentation of the skin, and amount of hair the animal has.

This Pig Has A Sunburn All Over Its Body

Animals that are regularly trimmed or clipped of their fur like sheep are also more prone to sunburn. Sometimes the sunburn problem is made worse due to certain things the animal may be exposed to. These could include medications like antibiotics, substances in their food supply, and the spores from certain molds. These things mentioned have the potential to photo-sensitize the animals, leaving them much more vulnerable to being sunburned. These sometimes results in large open skin wounds or extreme full body sunburns. In most cases, farm animals are more likely to be sunburned than any other type of animals.

Preventing Animal Sunburns

Regular sunscreens are effective on at risk animals, along with chemical sunscreens that contain PABA (paraaminobenzoic acid). PABA works by absorbing UV-B, which overall reduces the amount of harmful UV rays that reach the animals skin cells. If an animal already has a sunburn, certain lotions that contain aloe vera extracts can be used to provide relief and are used to help with discomfort. Remember though, it’s always best for your pet or animal to never receive a sunburn in the first place! You should always have enough shade around the animal’s location so they can get out of the suns harmful rays if they feel like it. It’s also a good idea to have enough water available for your animal so they stay hydrated.

It’s important to keep your skin moist while you treat your sunburn, as dry skin can lead to infection and cracking of the skin. This can permanently damage your outer dermal layers, and could possibly even leave your skin scarred. The cracks in your skin could lead to infection, which is the last thing you want on top of an already painful sunburn.

Be careful of what creams and lotions you put on your skin for the healing process. Some antiseptics and anesthetics will irritate the skin instead of helping, which could also lead to a rash. Rashes are actually a result of your skin healing itself from the irritants, even though that may seem like a contradictory statement. You’re seeing your skin repair itself before your very eyes, even though it’s a slow process.

We highly recommend using aloe vera gel to soothe and moisturize the skin. Most people find it very soothing to sunburns. Another popular product is emu oil with vitamin E. Emu oil has been clinically proven to provide hydration for sunburns, which greatly reduces itching, flaking, rashes, and scaling of the skin. It also fights infection and inflammation, which helps your epidermis and dermis to heal without scaring.

While aloe vera is the most popular treatment option, there are many other home sunburn remedies you can to help relieve the burn. It’s important to check with your doctor before trying any of these, but try to find one that works for you. Some treatments don’t work for everyone.

Make sure the clothing you wear in the days after your sunburn won’t further irritate the area. Wear loose articles of clothing that won’t rub against the dry itchy skin. Drinking alcohol dehydrates your body, so it is recommended that you do not drink while letting your skin heal.

Tip 1 – Always wear sun protection whenever you are exposing yourself to the sun. Make use of different brands that are available in the market that will create sun blocks with different Sun Protection Factor (SPF) levels. It will keep your skin safe from sun damage and sunburns. The higher the SPF levels the higher the protection from the harmful UV rays emitted by the sun. Select the one that will suit your skin and comes in your budget.

Tip 2 – People who have sensitive skin can use sun protection lotions that are mineral based. Do not go for one that has high chemicals like parabens. They will intensify your skins sensibility to sunburns.

Tip 3 – You can apply damp towel on your face if you get sunburns. Keep it for around 10 minutes so that it can help you to cool off. Use plain yogurt as they act as a face mask and at the same time helps to sooth the sunburns. Do not expose to sun unless and until the sunburn sensation and redness on your skin is completely gone.

Tip 4 – Always check the expiry date of sun protection lotions. Normally the expiry date is of one year from the manufacturing date. So, throw away all the used lotions after one year as they will no longer give you any protection from the sun and you might end up getting skin rashes that could have been avoided very easily.

Tip 5 – Always keep your sun protection lotion in cool and dry places. It will be more effective as long as it is cool. Try to keep it away from the sun as heat affects the efficiency of the ingredients that are used in the making.

Tip 6 – Cover your hair with a scarf or a hat. Even they can get damaged by the harmful UV rays of the sun. There are many hair lotions available in the market that can be used to protect your hair.

Tip 7 – Sun rays are more powerful between 11 am to 3 pm. So, try to avoid getting exposed to sun during this period. You can lie under beach umbrella and wear sunglasses. This will avoid fine lines and wrinkles on your skin that can caused due to bright light.

Tip 8 – Your lips will become dry if you are exposed to the sun for a long period of time. Protect them with a sun protection lip cream. Lips are much more prone to sun damage as the skin of the lips is thinner than the rest of your body.

If you want to look beautiful and stay healthy for a long period of time then protect your skin, hair and eyes from the harmful Ultra Violet rays that are emitted by the sun in the earth atmosphere.