From the Guidelines
Treating sunburn sickness requires immediate action to reduce inflammation, manage pain, and prevent further skin damage, as outlined in the most recent guidelines 1. To address sunburn sickness, it's essential to get out of the sun immediately and cool the skin with a cool bath or shower for 10-15 minutes.
- Apply aloe vera gel or moisturizer containing aloe to soothe the skin, reapplying every 2-3 hours.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (400-600mg every 6-8 hours) or acetaminophen (500-1000mg every 4-6 hours) to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, as sunburn draws fluid to the skin surface and away from other body systems. For systemic symptoms like fever, nausea, or dizziness, rest in a cool, dark room and continue hydration.
- Avoid further sun exposure until healed and don't break blisters if they form. If symptoms are severe (extensive blistering, high fever above 102°F, extreme pain, confusion, or signs of dehydration), seek medical attention immediately, as recommended by the 2024 American Heart Association and American Red Cross guidelines for first aid 1. These treatments work by reducing inflammation, replacing lost fluids, and allowing the damaged skin to heal while managing the body's systemic inflammatory response to extensive UV radiation exposure. While other studies discuss phototherapy and sunscreen use 1, they are not directly relevant to the treatment of sunburn sickness, and the most recent and highest-quality study should be prioritized 1.
From the Research
Definition of Sunburn Sickness
Sunburn sickness, also known as sun poisoning, is a condition that occurs when the skin is severely damaged by the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays, leading to symptoms such as erythema, pain, and pruritus.
Treatment of Sunburn Sickness
The treatment of sunburn sickness is primarily symptomatic, aiming to relieve the discomfort and prevent further damage. Some common treatments include:
- Cool compresses to reduce pain and inflammation
- Topical corticosteroids to reduce redness and swelling
- Oral antihistamines to relieve itching and reduce the allergic response
- Anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce pain and inflammation
- Emollients to moisturize and soothe the skin
According to 2, the majority of studies on sunburn treatment have shown that corticosteroids, NSAIDs, antioxidants, antihistamines, and emollients are ineffective in decreasing recovery time. However, 3 suggests that cool compresses, corticosteroid cream, oral antihistamines, and anti-inflammatory drugs may be used to care for sunburn.
Efficacy of Topical Corticosteroids
A study published in 4 found that topical corticosteroid treatment had a limited effect on acute sunburn, with only high-potency corticosteroids showing a significant reduction in redness when applied 30 minutes before UV-B exposure.
Alternative Treatments
A study on the efficacy of aloe vera cream in preventing and treating sunburn and suntan found that it had no protective effect against sunburn or suntan, and no efficacy in treating sunburn 5.
Severe Sunburn Cases
In severe cases of sunburn, such as the one reported in 6, where a patient suffered severe burns on 81% of her body surface after sunbathing, the treatment does not differ from conventional treatment for heat-induced second-degree burns.