From the Guidelines
To treat scaly skin after a sunburn, apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer and use emollients or soap substitutes regularly, as recommended by the most recent evidence 1. When treating scaly skin after a sunburn, it is essential to prioritize moisturizing and protecting the skin from further damage.
- Apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer 3-4 times daily until the scaling resolves.
- Look for products containing ingredients like aloe vera, ceramides, or hyaluronic acid for better hydration.
- Take cool showers and avoid hot water, which can further dry the skin.
- After showering, pat the skin partially dry and apply moisturizer while the skin is still slightly damp to lock in moisture.
- Drink plenty of water to help rehydrate the skin from within.
- Avoid using greasy creams for basic care, as they might facilitate the development of folliculitis due to their occlusive properties 1.
- Avoid manipulating the skin, as this can increase the risk of infection 1. The scaling occurs because sunburn damages the outer skin layer, causing it to dry out and peel as part of the healing process.
- If the skin is also red, painful, or inflamed, consider taking ibuprofen (400-600mg every 6-8 hours with food) to reduce inflammation.
- For severe cases with extensive peeling, blistering, or signs of infection, consult a healthcare provider.
- Avoid further sun exposure while healing and use SPF 30+ sunscreen once healed to prevent future damage, as recommended by the evidence 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Directions for itching of skin irritation, inflammation, and rashes: adults and children 2 years of age and older: apply to affected area not more than 3 to 4 times daily children under 2 years of age: ask a doctor for external anal and genital itching, adults: when practical, clean the affected area with mild soap and warm water and rinse thoroughly gently dry by patting or blotting with toilet tissue or a soft cloth before applying apply to affected area not more than 3 to 4 times daily children under 12 years of age: ask a doctor
The hydrocortisone (TOP) drug label does not directly address scaly skin after sunburn treatment.
- The label mentions itching of skin irritation, inflammation, and rashes, but does not specifically mention scaly skin or sunburn.
- It provides dosage instructions for itching of skin irritation, inflammation, and rashes, but this is not directly relevant to scaly skin after sunburn treatment 2
From the Research
Scaly Skin After Sunburn Treatment
- Scaly skin after sunburn treatment is a common concern, but there is limited research on this specific topic.
- Studies have focused on the treatment of sunburn itself, rather than the aftermath of treatment.
- According to 3, topical corticosteroids such as 0.1% methylprednisolone aceponate milk and 0.1% hydrocortisone 17-butyrate emulsion can be effective in reducing sunburn reaction.
- However, other studies such as 4 and 5 suggest that topical corticosteroids may not provide a clinically useful decrease in the acute sunburn reaction when applied after UV exposure.
- A review of the literature by 6 found that there is no consensus on an algorithm for the treatment of sunburn, and that most studies conclude that various treatments are ineffective at decreasing recovery time.
Treatment Options
- Topical corticosteroids may be used to reduce sunburn reaction, but their effectiveness is still debated 3, 4.
- Symptomatic treatment of UV light-induced symptoms, including erythema, pain, and pruritus, may be the most effective approach 6, 5.
- Conservative local symptomatic treatment with adequate pain control until the sunburn naturally resolves is also recommended 5.
Skin Reactions
- Scaly skin after sunburn treatment may be a result of the sunburn itself, rather than the treatment used.
- Further research is needed to understand the causes and effects of scaly skin after sunburn treatment.
- Studies such as 3 and 4 have focused on the efficacy of topical corticosteroids in reducing sunburn reaction, but have not specifically addressed the issue of scaly skin.