Witch hazel for sunburn: can you use it?

Can you use witch hazel on sunburn?

Exchange Select Witch Hazel claims to help soothe sunburn and contains 86% witch hazel and 14% alcohol by volume. That is one particular formula, not a description of every witch hazel toner. Its label says to apply as often as needed, rather than specifying a morning or evening schedule. Keep it out of your eyes; if contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water. Stop using it and ask a doctor if the condition worsens or symptoms persist for more than seven days.1

What should you do first?

Cooling and moisturising are the practical priorities, not finding a new job for a bottle of toner.3

1. 1Get out of the sun as soon as you notice the burn, preferably indoors.
2. 2Cool the skin with a cool shower, bath or damp towel. Do not apply ice or ice packs directly to sunburn.
3. 3After a bath or shower, gently pat your skin dry and apply moisturiser while the skin is still damp. A moisturiser containing aloe vera or soy can help soothe discomfort. Reapply whenever you feel discomfort.
4. 4Drink extra water to help prevent dehydration. Sunburn draws fluid towards the skin's surface and away from the rest of the body.
5. 5Cover the burned area from direct sunlight until it has fully healed. Wear loose clothing rather than tight clothing over the burn.

What else can ease the discomfort?

An unperfumed moisturiser is a suitable choice, without requiring the word "aftersun" to have its own shelf. Aftersun cream or spray is another option.4

Calamine lotion or a colloidal oatmeal bath can also relieve discomfort. For pain, paracetamol or ibuprofen are options; follow the medicine leaflet. A pharmacist can help you choose a sunburn treatment and decide whether you need medical care.234

How long does sunburn take to improve?

Sunburn usually gets better within seven days. Flaking or peeling often starts a few days after the burn. Do not scratch or pull off peeling skin, and do not pop blisters. On black or brown skin, a colour change can be less noticeable, so pay attention to heat, soreness and pain rather than redness alone.4

When should you get medical help?

Seek urgent medical advice if the skin is blistered or swollen, or you have a very high temperature, chills, marked tiredness, dizziness, nausea, a headache or muscle cramps after sun exposure. A baby or young child with sunburn also needs urgent advice. Severe sunburn can lead to heat exhaustion or heatstroke. Do not wait seven days when these symptoms are present.2