A mother has shared her sunburn remedy which she claims can alleviate pain within 30 minutes.
Temperatures soared to around the 30C mark on Thursday as Brits basked in another day of blistering weather. However, it’s not all sunshine and roses, as the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued nine heat health alerts across all regions of England, and medics have urged Brits to regularly apply sun cream.
Despite these precautions, the risk of sunburn persists – and it can escalate to serious levels if neglected. Nevertheless, Cindie Allen-Stewart, a Texas-based mum, has suggested that anyone suffering from sunburn should apply menthol foam shaving cream to the affected area, claiming this will draw out the heat.
After 30 minutes, this should be rinsed off in a cool shower or bath to soothe the pain, Ms Allen-Stewart added. She says this alternative treatment was recommended by her mother-in-law, who originally received the advice from a doctor some 40 years ago. However, Ms Allen-Stewart emphasised that prevention is better than cure and advised people to apply sunscreen before venturing out in the heat.
Her unconventional tip has been praised on social media by those who have fallen victim to the intense heat this week and, with the hot weather set to persist for several more days, could prove useful for other Brits. Doctors, however, stress traditional methods, such as using aftersun cream or spray available at pharmacies, to treat any sunburn.
“First, purchase some menthol foam shaving cream. It must be the foam type and it must contain menthol. Then, apply the shaving cream to the burn. It might seem like an odd shaving ritual, but trust me,” Ms Allen-Stewart posted on social media.
“Don’t rub it in, just let it sit on your skin. It will start drawing out all that heat (you’ll be able to feel it). You may also feel a bit itchy, but that’s a good sign! Itching indicates healing.”
The shaving cream will quickly break down into spots and dry out. The mother continued: “You will start to feel a bit cold, at least on the sunburned part of your body. That is a good sign. Next, rinse it off in a lukewarm or cool shower or bath. This is just to remove the residue.
“Finally, if you still need it, repeat the process the next day. Usually, after the second treatment, the sunburn disappears. I use this method on my children too! I’m not suggesting everyone should do this, I was merely showing my friends what I do. Please remember to always wear sunscreen!”.
“Excessive sun exposure can be harmful and lead to cancer. I am certainly not advocating going out without sunscreen! I get sunburnt even with sunscreen and understand the inconvenience, but it’s worth wearing it!”.
Online commentators have been quick to praise the tip. One satisfied user commented: “This works amazing! With aloe you have to keep putting it on and it doesn’t help for very long. But the menthol shaving cream stopped the burning feeling after the first use permanently, and after the second I hardly feel the sunburn.”
An equally impressed individual exclaimed: “This is a godsend and saved my life already this summer!”.
However, the NHS website notes the gravity of sunburn, especially if the skin blisters or swells, or if symptoms like headache or muscle cramps emerge post exposure. In such instances, they recommend contacting NHS 111 for additional guidance.
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