HOMEOPATHY FOR SUNBURN AND HEATSTROKE

Homeopathy can come to the rescue when you have had too much exposure to the sun. It is an efficient means to bring about relief.

We know that Aloe is great for any kind of burns, sun or otherwise. You can break off a piece of the thick leave of an aloe plant and apply the oozing gel directly to the burn area. Aloe gel from the store also works well to cool and sooth burning skin. (look for 100% aloe)

• Calendula brings tremendous relief to sunburned skin when you apply it in a cream (gels may contain alcohol and exacerbate the burning) and you can also take the Homeopathic pellets orally.

• Belladonna is also a great remedy to relieve burned skin that is bright red, hot, dry, swollen and sensitive.

• Urtica urens when blisters develop. This would fit if your symptoms are intense burning, violent itching along with the blisters. You can take pellets orally and if you have access to a Natural pharmacy or health food store and comes in tincture also. It is a welcome relief diluted in cool water and used as a compress.

• Cantharis pellets taken orally if the skin is red, feels “raw” and “itchy.”

• Causticum is for burns that blister and ooze and there is a frontal headache.

HEAT EXHAUSTION

• Veratrum album for heat exhaustion that exhibits weakness, cold sweat, fainting and nausea.

• Cuprum metallicum is for muscle cramping from heat exposure.

• Magnesia phosphorica when cramping is predominantly in the abdomen or legs.

HEATSTROKE

Heatstroke is a life-threatening condition in which the body is unable to regulate its own temperature. Sweating may cease and body temperature can rise uncontrollably with the pulse rapid and strong. Skin becomes hot and dry. The person may be flushed, confused, vomiting, unconscious, or having convulsions.

If this occurs, move the person to a cool area, remove clothing, sponge down with cool water and get medical assistance immediately!

• Belladonna can be used while waiting for medical help if the skin is red and hot, face is flushed, pupils are dilated and there is a throbbing headache, worse from motion.

• Glonoinum is the remedy of choice if there is a violent, pounding headache, dizziness, red face and even bulging eyes.

SAFE SUNSCREENS

One of the chemicals in the sunscreen safety controversy is titanium dioxide. Titanium dioxide, a compound whose toxicity remains unclear, is an ingredient found in many sunscreens. Researchers now say the chemical can be absorbed by human skin. Titanium dioxide is a fine white powder used in sunscreens because of its ability to reflect and scatter ultraviolet light. The compound’s full effects on human health are still under investigation. The U.S. government’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) labels the chemical “a potential occupational carcinogen.”

But here is another opinion ….

Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are thought to be two of the safest sunscreens. Instead of being absorbed into the skin (and other body organs) to react to ultraviolet light so that the skin does not burn, as chemical sunscreens do, they keep the light from penetrating the skin in the first place. They are mechanical, instead of chemical barriers to UV light.

The other substance in question is Paba. There is natural Paba, which is part of the Vitamin B family and there is the petrochemical form of Paba that has been widely used in sunscreen and cosmetics. This is the chemical that people developed allergies to in the past and why many sunscreens and cosmetics now proclaim themselves “PABA-free.”

The reason the toxic PABA was and is used may be the fact that plain PABA does not provide full spectrum protection against UV rays. The problem with petrochemical PABA, for some people, may be that the skin absorbs it and tries to use it in the same manner as real PABA but fails and skin irritation results. It is not known if there are effects on other organs when it is absorbed.

Whatever sunscreen you choose, be sure to read the labels and know that whatever you put on your skin is absorbed into the body.