SUNBURN TREATMENT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20172, 5 February 1929, Page 5

SUNBURN TREATMENT.

Sunburn, so scientists assurs us, is caused not by the heat of the sun, but by the chemical action of violet and ultraviolet rays, and is, accordingly, very different from an ordinary burn. It is, however, hardly less painful, and reeuires no less careful treatment, though simple and very effective remedies may be easily made up xrom ordinary ingredients which as a rule fnd a place in every storeroom.

A stiff paste made from cold water and starch is a little known but very effective remedy for sunburn, for it speedily cools and takes !he painful sting from the affected parts. This stiff paste is applied freely and allowed to dry on the sunburnt skin, and renewed every hour or so until the inflammation had subsided, and then once or twice a day, or at night before

going to bed. • A lotion made of eqaal parts of lime water and linseed oil is particularly soothing and cooling. It should be lightly dabbed on with a soft piece of lint, for no matter whether they are to be treated with oil, ointment or lotion, the sunburnt parts should never be rubbed, as this only increases the inflammation, as well as being an extremely painful process. If the arms have become blistered a zinc ointment gives remarkable relief, though before it is applied the blisters should be carefully pricked with a sterilised needle. The ointment is then freely applied and the affected pails loosely bound up with a piece of soft cloth. But those who tend to blister easily, and particularly fairskinned people, will find that this may be effectively stopped if methylated spirits are applied as soon as possible to the sunburnt parts. Though this may seem a drastic remedy—for it stings unmercifully for a few minutes—if the spirits are applied every hour or so all tendency to blister will disappear. Also the face and arms should be washed with a good superfatted soap, and if the skin is very dry after washing it should be rinsed in -water softened -with a little glycerine or rose water.