I'll aloe this pun to slide this time, Pleo.

Icy hot this could be a major inconvenience.

I have some cream if you want it to slide better, Sir ND Pity.

These threads have sometimes Bengay, sounds like that's where this is headed.

I like when it slides better ;-)

Aloe me to Vera-fy all of the information presented in this thread.

Try putting something cold/cool on the affected area? That should reduce the itching and the burn

Skin the plant and rub it on the burn. It really helps. I have some in my backyard, it's awfully convenient.

It makes a great houseplant, too.

Distilled vinegar has cooling properties, so you can also try that. Cool black tea bags (I use earl grey when I get sun burns) will also help a lot.

How does OP know that it is a preservative that she is allergic to? Many people are allergic to aloe itself.

Because its specifically stated in the FML OP is allergic to a preservative in the aloe product.

49 - You do raise a good point. Perhaps she has very sensitive skin and has already ran into some problems with other products in the past? So she already knows that she has a problem with some preservatives. If she has a severe sunburn it's likely that she has a fair complexion, just like I do. I have very temperamental skin, some preservatives irritate my skin, while others don't. It's sort of a gamble when trying new products. But hey, there's no way we can know unless the OP makes an appearance to clarify.

You mean scratch I hope... Anyway, that would just make OP's allergic reaction worse, I suppose!

Let's hope OP's not allergic to that too!

I don't know for sure, but that just sounds like it would sting on a sunburn. Unless it were calamine lotion.

It's hard to have a good attitude while misserable though

A good attitude doesn't help stop an allergic reaction, and allergic reactions cause utter misery. It's kind of like telling someone to cheer up because they're still alive despite having been beaten to within an inch of their existence and still suffering from it. It's trite. :(

Or OP can just invest in an Aloe Vera plant. Then cut the leaves & squeeze the Aloe Vera fluid out & apply it that way.

And what is the tea trick?

Boil water. In a large bowl place several tea bags. pour the water in the bowl and let the tea steap. After a few minutes add a large quantity of ice. Take a wash cloth and soak it in the tea. Place the rag on your sunburn. The cold tea rag sucks the burn from your skin. The rag will get warm as the burn comes out. Re-wet the rag, over and over and repeat. Your skin will still be red, but the pain will be removed and the pealing will be drastically less, if you peal at all.

I've never heard of the tea trick before. It sounds like it would feel amazing on a sunburn. I will definitely have to remember this if I have a sunburn in the future. Thanks for the tip!

Thanks for tip, I will have to try that!

You are both very welcome. It's helped my family for years.