From the Guidelines
For sunburns, aloe vera gel is the best cream to use, as it has been shown to improve healing time in patients with partial-thickness burns, including unroofed blisters, compared to no dressing or various controls 1. When using aloe vera gel, apply a thin layer to the affected areas 3-4 times daily until the burn heals. Some key points to consider when treating sunburns include:
- Removing jewelry before the onset of swelling to prevent constriction and vascular ischemia, as burned tissue swells 1
- Using over-the-counter analgesics such as acetaminophen or NSAIDs for burn pain, as they are well tolerated and generally recommended 1
- Considering other topical treatments, such as petrolatum or honey, which have also been shown to improve healing time in patients with partial-thickness burns 1 It is essential to note that if your sunburn causes severe blistering, fever, or extreme pain, you should seek medical attention as these may indicate second-degree burns requiring professional care. Additionally, while treating sunburns, it is crucial to drink plenty of water, take cool showers, and avoid further sun exposure to promote healing and prevent further damage.
From the Research
Best Cream for Sunburns
- The effectiveness of topical corticosteroids in treating acute sunburn has been studied, with results showing that high-potency corticosteroids can provide some relief when applied before UV-B exposure 2.
- However, the use of topical corticosteroids after UV-B exposure has been found to be less effective, with no significant reduction in redness when applied 6 or 23 hours after exposure 2.
- A review of the literature on the management of acute sunburn found that there is no consensus on an algorithm for treatment, and that many pharmacologic agents have been used with varying degrees of success 3.
- Some studies have suggested that a combination of oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and topical corticosteroids may be effective in reducing the symptoms of sunburn 4.
- Aloe vera has been traditionally used to treat skin injuries, including sunburn, due to its anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties, and has been found to be effective in reducing the symptoms of sunburn in some studies 5.
Key Findings
- Topical corticosteroids may be effective in preventing sunburn when applied before UV-B exposure, but are less effective when applied after exposure 2.
- A combination of oral NSAIDs and topical corticosteroids may be effective in reducing the symptoms of sunburn 4.
- Aloe vera may be a useful treatment for sunburn due to its anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties 5.