What is the treatment for sunburn?

Treatment for Sunburn

The most effective treatment for sunburn focuses on symptomatic relief through cool compresses, moisturizers, and over-the-counter pain relievers, as there is no intervention that can reverse the underlying UV damage to skin cells.

First-Line Management

Immediate Interventions (0-24 hours after exposure)

• Cool the skin:

  • Apply cool compresses or take cool baths to reduce heat and discomfort
  • Avoid ice or very cold water which can cause further skin damage
  • Limit bath time to 15-20 minutes to prevent skin dryness

• Hydrate the skin:

  • Apply moisturizers containing aloe vera to soothe the skin
  • Reapply moisturizers frequently, especially after bathing
  • Choose fragrance-free products to avoid further irritation

• Manage pain and inflammation:

  • Take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or aspirin
  • Begin NSAIDs as soon as possible for maximum benefit
  • Continue for 24-48 hours to reduce inflammation

Ongoing Care (24+ hours after exposure)

• Continue moisturizing with gentle, fragrance-free products
• Stay hydrated by drinking extra water to replace fluid lost through the skin
• Avoid further sun exposure until the sunburn has completely healed

What Doesn't Work

Despite common beliefs, several interventions have been shown to be ineffective for treating sunburn:

• Topical corticosteroids: Research shows no clinically useful decrease in sunburn reaction when applied 6 or 23 hours after UV exposure 1
• Antihistamines: Limited evidence for effectiveness in reducing recovery time 2
• Vitamin supplements: No convincing data supporting their use for sunburn treatment 2

Special Considerations

For Severe Sunburn

• Seek medical attention if sunburn is accompanied by:
  • Severe blistering over large body areas
  • Fever above 101°F (38.3°C)
  • Extreme pain
  • Signs of dehydration (dizziness, reduced urination)

For Children

• More aggressive hydration may be needed
• Dose pain relievers appropriately based on weight
• Monitor more closely for signs of dehydration or heat illness

Prevention Strategies

Prevention remains the most effective approach to sunburn management:

• Avoid direct exposure to midday sun (10:00 AM to 4:00 PM) 3
• Wear protective clothing including broad-brimmed hats, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and sunglasses 3
• Use broad-spectrum sunscreen (UVA and UVB protection) with SPF >15 3
• Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds which can cause similar or worse damage than natural sunlight 3

Common Pitfalls

1. Relying solely on sunscreen: People who use sunscreen alone may increase their risk for skin damage if they increase time spent in the sun 3

2. Delayed treatment: The window for effective intervention is narrow; most treatments show minimal benefit when started more than 6 hours after exposure 1

3. Inconsistent sun protection: Even regular users of sun protection can get sunburned due to inadequate or inconsistent application 4

4. Ignoring high-risk groups: Fair-skinned individuals who burn easily and tan poorly are at highest risk and require more vigilant protection 3

Remember that the damage to epidermal cells from UV exposure occurs regardless of treatment modality 2. The focus should be on prevention and symptomatic relief rather than attempting to reverse the damage once it has occurred.