Natural Remedies for a Bad Tanning Bed Burn

A trip to the tanning bed, without proper sun protection, can cause sunburn. The best thing to do is to avoid tanning bed sunburn. You can do this by being cautious at the tanning bed. Follow the same precautions as you would follow when spending time in the sun. However, there are some home remedies can ease your pain and aid in the healing if sunburn occurs.

Soaking

• Soak in a cool bath to help relieve pain associated with sunburn. Hot water or soap can dry out sunburned skin. Add two cups white or apple cider vinegar or two ounces of baking soda in your cool bath water. These additions may help relieve pain and reduce itching that a tanning bed sunburn causes.

Compresses

• In between baths, you may want to apply a cool compress to your worst sunburn areas. Saint Louis University's Sun Protection Outreach Program recommends soaking the compress in a refrigerated solution of one part milk to four parts water.

Topical Treatments

• Use topical ointments, like hydrocortisone cream, to help with the pain and speed up healing. A more natural approach is the use of aloe or aloe-based moisturizers. Aloe is a natural remedy for all burns, and it will reduce pain and inflammation caused by a tanning bed burn. Keep your skin moisturized, and you will experience less itching while the sunburn heals.

Pain Relief Medication

• The use of pain relief medication may help reduce inflammation, as well as pain, especially soon after the sunburn. Use ibuprofen or acetaminophen following package directions. Aspirin also offers the same relief.