Cindie Allen-Stewart says her method to soothe sunburn was originally shared by a doctor 40 years ago and has since been invaluable to generations in her family
A mum has detailed her sunburn treatment which she says will soothe pain within 30 minutes.
Temperatures peaked at 32.2C in west London on Thursday, and were widely around the 30C mark elsewhere as Brits rejoiced another day of sizzling weather. It comes with its pitfalls too, as the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued nine heat health alerts across all regions of England, and doctors have warned Brits to apply suncream regularly.
Even with the protection, the risk of sunburn remains – and it can become serious if left untreated. However, Cindie Allen-Stewart, a mum from Texas, has encouraged anyone with sunburn to apply menthol foam shaving cream on the affected skin, as she says this will bring out the heat. This then should be rinsed off after 30 minutes in a cool shower or bath and the pain will soothe, Ms Allen-Stewart added.
The alternative treatment, she says, was recommended by her mother-in-law, who originally got the advice from a doctor some 40 years ago. However, Ms Allen-Stewart stressed prevention is better than cure and recommended people apply sunscreen before going out in the heat.
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The unconventional advice has been lauded on social media by people who fallen foul of the scorching heat so far this week and, with it set to continue for several days yet, could become useful for other Brits. Doctors, though, stress traditional approaches, such as the use of aftersun cream or spray found at pharmacists, will help treat any sunburn.
“First, buy some menthol foam shaving cream. It has to be the foam and it has to have menthol in it. Next, apply the shaving cream on the burn. It may seem like it’s a strange shaving ritual, but trust me,” Ms Allen-Stewart wrote on social media.
“Don’t rub it in, just let it sit on your skin. It will start bringing all that heat out (you’ll be able to feel it). You may feel like you are itchy too, but that’s a good thing! Itching means healing.”
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According to Wales Online, the shaving cream will quickly break down into spots and become dry. The mum continued: “You will feel as if you’re becoming a little 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. It’s just to get the residue off.
“Finally, if you still need it, do it again the next day. Usually after that second treatment, the sunburn disappears. I use this on my kids too! I’m not saying to go out and do this, I was just showing my friends what I do. Please remember to always use sunscreen!
“Too much sun exposure can be dangerous and lead to cancer. By no means am I endorsing going out without sunscreen! I burn with sunscreen as well and know of the hassle, but it is worth it to wear it!”
Writing online, social media users praised the tip. One responder shared: “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.” Another enthused: “This is a godsend and saved my life already this summer!”.
But the NHS website highlights the seriousness of sunburn, particularly if the skin gets blistered or swollen, or if you have a headache or muscle cramps following the exposure to the heat. In these cases, you should call NHS 111 for further advice.