From the Research
Treatment for sun poisoning should focus on symptomatic relief, including cooling the skin, managing pain and inflammation, and preventing dehydration, as there is no consensus on a specific algorithm for treatment. According to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Dermatology 1, the most effective approach to acute sunburn is symptomatic treatment of UV light-induced symptoms, including erythema, pain, and pruritus.
Key aspects of treatment include:
- Immediate removal from sun exposure to prevent further damage
- Cooling the affected skin with cold compresses or cool baths to reduce pain and inflammation
- Using over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to manage pain and inflammation
- Applying aloe vera gel or moisturizers containing aloe to soothe the skin
- Drinking plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration
It's essential to note that, as stated in the study 1, the majority of treatments, including corticosteroids, NSAIDs, antioxidants, antihistamines, or emollients, have been found to be ineffective at decreasing recovery time or have shown only mild improvement with flawed study designs or methods.
For severe cases with blistering, fever above 102°F, extreme pain, confusion, or signs of infection, it's crucial to seek medical attention immediately, as a healthcare provider may prescribe stronger anti-inflammatory medications, specialized burn creams, or IV fluids. Sun poisoning typically takes 3-7 days to recover from, during which time it's essential to avoid further sun exposure and protect healing skin with loose, soft clothing.