We all know those people who spend the day at the beach and forget to sunblock properly and come home looking like a tomato. There’s no doubt such scorching burns can be painful, and there are a whole host of home remedies that people swear by to help them get through the pain. But it looks like researchers may have finally found a sure fire remedy for relief.
According to new research, Vitamin D may be the cure for all the pains that come with a bad burn. Researchers at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine found that folks who took large doses of Vitamin D within an hour of getting their sunburn saw significant reductions in redness, swelling and inflammation.
The study gave 20 subjects a burn using a lamp, and they were then given either a placebo or Vitamin D in varying doses. Those who got the strongest doses saw their skin irritation decrease within 48 hours, and also saw less skin redness. It is believed an anti-inflammatory enzyme in the skin is increased with the Vitamin D, which also triggers anti-inflammatory proteins and promotes tissue repair.
- The researchers are now looking into whether Vitamin D’s effects could result in more protection from ultraviolent radiation and even skin cancer, but so far there’s no definitive answer. Lead author Kurt Lu, a Case Western assistant professor of dermatology, notes, "We are currently investigating that topic and hopefully may learn new ways to prevent skin cancer other than just sunscreens.”
Source: USA Today