From the Guidelines
For sunburn treatment, the most effective approach is to cool the affected skin, reduce pain and inflammation, and promote healing, as evidenced by the 2024 American Heart Association and American Red Cross guidelines for first aid 1. To achieve this, start by cooling the affected skin with a cool bath or shower, or by applying cold compresses for 10-15 minutes several times daily. Some key considerations for sunburn treatment include:
- Taking over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) 400-600mg every 6 hours or acetaminophen (Tylenol) 500-1000mg every 6 hours to reduce pain and inflammation, as these have been shown to be well-tolerated and effective in burn pain management 1.
- Applying aloe vera gel or moisturizers containing aloe several times daily to soothe the skin and promote healing, as petrolatum, honey, and aloe have been shown to improve healing time in patients with partial-thickness burns 1.
- Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water, as sunburn draws fluid to the skin surface.
- Avoiding further sun exposure until healed and not breaking blisters if they form.
- Seeking medical attention for severe sunburn with extensive blistering, fever, or extreme pain. It is also important to note that burns involving the face, hands, feet, and genitals may require surgical intervention to prevent permanent disability, and those with a large surface area can lead to significant fluid loss and multisystem organ failure 1. Additionally, covering the affected area with a nonadherent bandage or clean cloth can protect the wound and reduce pain, as recommended in the 2024 American Heart Association and American Red Cross guidelines for first aid 1.
From the Research
Treatment Options for Sunburn
- Topical corticosteroids, such as 0.1% methylprednisolone aceponate milk (MPA) and 0.1% hydrocortisone 17-butyrate emulsion (HCB), have been shown to be safe and effective in the treatment of sunburn 2.
- Aloe vera has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties and can be used as a biologically active vehicle for hydrocortisone acetate, enhancing its effects 3.
- Aloe vera can also block the wound healing suppression of hydrocortisone acetate and has anti-inflammatory activity, making it a potential treatment for sunburn 4.
Corticosteroids for Sunburn
- Corticosteroids are commonly prescribed for various indications, including sunburn, due to their wide range of effects on the human body 5.
- However, corticosteroids can have dose- and duration-dependent toxicities, and their use should be carefully managed 5.
- While corticosteroids have been shown to be effective in reducing inflammation, other treatments like ibuprofen and acetaminophen may also be effective in managing symptoms 6.