Sunburn, erythema, reddened skin: in summer the skin requires special care and attention, because external agents such as solar rays, sea salt, pool chlorine and wind can put it to a severe test. Here are the homeopathic medicines you shouldn't be without.
While choosing sun protection suited to one's phototype and reapplying it several times throughout the day has by now become a habit followed by virtually everyone, there are other important precautions to bear firmly in mind.
Before setting off, for example, one can put in place a genuine preventive homeopathic strategy, which will prove particularly useful above all for those with very fair, sensitive skin who tend to suffer from erythema after sun exposure. In this regard, the homeopathic medicine Apis 15 CH may be helpful: 5 granules to be taken up to twice a week for at least one month before departure.
To help protect the skin, including the scalp, Sol 30 CH is also indicated, following this dosage: 5 granules to be taken the evening before going to the beach, 5 granules in the morning before sun exposure and 5 immediately afterwards, upon returning. The granules should be dissolved in the mouth, preferably under the tongue.
Homeopathic medicines can also come to the rescue in the event of sunburn: Belladonna 9 CH is particularly indicated when the skin, including the scalp, radiates heat, is red and produces a throbbing pain sensation. Take 5 granules, dissolved under the tongue, as soon as the complaint appears, repeating intake every hour (or every half hour) and then gradually spacing out doses as improvement occurs.
If the sunburn is pinkish in colour and improves with cold applications, the homeopathic medicine Apis mellifica 15 CH is preferable: 5 granules every quarter of an hour and then every half hour. Should there be small pustules on the skin, Rhus toxicodendron 9 CH is useful: 5 granules 3 times a day.
At a local level, Ciderma can be used — an ointment useful for bringing relief to the skin. It should be applied to clean skin 2–3 times a day; however, the area of the body to which it has been applied should not subsequently be exposed to the sun, as Ciderma contains Hypericum perforatum, which has a photosensitising effect.
Finally, when returning from holiday it is important to moisturise the skin with specific cosmetic products, in order to maintain the tan for as long as possible.