What are the treatment and prevention options for sunburn?

Treatment and Prevention of Sunburn

For sunburn prevention, use broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+), seek shade during peak UV hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), wear protective clothing, and avoid tanning beds, while treatment focuses on symptomatic relief with cool compresses, moisturizers, and anti-inflammatory medications. 1

Prevention Strategies

Sun Avoidance and Protective Clothing

• Timing: Minimize exposure during peak UV hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), especially the 1-hour period closest to noon (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) when UV rays are strongest 2
• Protective clothing:
  • Wear wide-brimmed hats, long-sleeved shirts, and long pants
  • Choose tightly woven fabrics for better protection
  • Use sunglasses with UV protection 1
• Environmental considerations:
  • Be extra cautious near reflective surfaces (water, sand, snow, pavement)
  • Remember that light cloud coverage still allows 80% of UV rays through 2
  • Higher altitudes and locations closer to the equator increase UV exposure 2

Sunscreen Use

• Selection: Use broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UV-A and UV-B rays 2, 1
• SPF rating: Choose SPF 30 or higher 1
• Application technique:
  • Apply 15-30 minutes before sun exposure
  • Use approximately 1 ounce (shot glass full) for full body coverage
  • Reapply every 2-3 hours and after swimming or sweating 1

Additional Prevention Measures

• Avoid artificial UV sources: Sunlamps and tanning beds should be completely avoided as they can emit UV radiation similar to or higher than noontime summer sun 2
• Special considerations for high-risk groups:
  • Children and adolescents need extra protection as more than half of lifetime UV exposure occurs during childhood/adolescence 1
  • Fair-skinned individuals who burn easily and tan poorly (especially those with red or blond hair) require more rigorous protection 2, 1

Treatment of Sunburn

Immediate Care

• Apply cool compresses to soothe burned skin 1
• Use moisturizers to prevent dryness 1
• Consider anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain and inflammation 1

Understanding Sunburn Progression

• Acute sunburn typically peaks within 12-24 hours after exposure 3
• The inflammatory process involves sequential release of eicosanoids:
  • Vasodilatory prostaglandins appear in the first 24-48 hours
  • Leukocyte chemoattractants are elevated from 4-72 hours
  • Anti-inflammatory metabolites peak around 72 hours 4
• After the acute phase, sunburn gradually subsides followed by hyperpigmentation and peeling 3

Long-term Considerations

Skin Cancer Prevention

• Regular skin examinations are recommended, especially for those with history of significant sun exposure or previous sunburns 1
• Chronic sun damage leads to dry, leathery, wrinkled skin and can result in precancerous actinic keratoses 3
• Using sunscreen has been shown to prevent squamous cell skin cancer, though evidence for melanoma prevention is mixed 2

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Relying solely on sunscreen: People who use sunscreen alone may increase their risk for melanoma if they extend their time in the sun 2
• Inconsistent application: Despite increasing prevalence of sunscreen use, sunburn rates have not decreased proportionally, suggesting inadequate or inconsistent application 5
• Underestimating risk in older adults: Over 13% of adults aged 65+ experience sunburn annually, with rates nearly twice as high (20.4%) among sun-sensitive older adults 6

By implementing comprehensive sun protection strategies and appropriate treatment when sunburn occurs, the risk of both acute discomfort and long-term skin damage can be significantly reduced.