Medication
Selection of treatment depends on the severity of the sunburn. In general, minor sunburn is initially treated with the use of cool cloths or compresses to affected areas; taking cool showers or baths; or applying topical agents, such as aloe vera, various skin protectants, or topical hydrocortisone to the affected areas.
Self-care
Sunburn treatment doesn't heal your skin, but it can reduce pain, swelling and discomfort. If care at home doesn't help or your sunburn is very severe, your doctor might offer additional treatments or admit you to a hospital. Sunburn treatment: Do I need medical attention? Once sunburn occurs, you can't do much to limit damage to your skin.
Nutrition
If your skin reacts to the UV light, you're considered sensitive to sunlight (photosensitive). If you've been sunburned, it may take two days for the severity of your burn to become evident and several more days for your skin to begin to heal.
What are the treatment options for sunburn?
Sunburn occurs when the skin becomes inflamed as a result of excess exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. 1 The symptoms of sunburn can be classified as mild, moderate, or severe depending on several factors, including the following 2:
Should I go to the hospital for a sunburn?
How long does it take for a sunburn to heal?
What is sunburn and what causes sunburn?
What is the best treatment for severe sunburn?
How to treat sunburnTake frequent cool baths or showers to help relieve the pain. ... Use a moisturizer that contains aloe vera or soy to help soothe sunburned skin. ... Consider taking aspirin or ibuprofen to help reduce any swelling, redness and discomfort.Drink extra water.More items...
What medicine is used to treat a sunburn?
An oral antihistamine such as diphenhydramine might help relieve itching as the skin begins to peel and heal underneath. Apply a corticosteroid cream. For mild to moderate sunburn, apply over-the-counter corticosteroid cream to the affected area. Protect your sunburn from further sun exposure.
What do dermatologists prescribe for sunburn?
Dr. Michele Green, a Manhattan-based dermatologist, also recommended hydrocortisone, noting that you can get it either over-the-counter or as a prescription, and that it's effective for “soothing pain and irritation from a sunburn.” Whether you go OTC or prescription should depend on the severity of the sunburn.
Do steroids help sunburn?
One study has shown a lower sunburn reaction on days 4 and 5 after application of moderate-potency corticosteroids twice a day starting 6 hours after exposure to radiation. It is crucial to patients that any treatment offer a substantial anti-inflammatory effect and, thereby, relief of symptoms within the first day.
Why do antibiotics cause sunburn?
“There are medications that increase the skin's reactivity,” Muñoz says. “In the case of antibiotics, these medications may deposit in the skin and when exposed to the sun's rays can cause the medicine's components to undergo a chemical reaction leading to inflammation.
What does hydrocortisone do for sunburn?
Topical hydrocortisone cream (0.5 to 1%) can be applied to the sunburned area as this will help decrease pain and itching. Do not apply if you have an open sore. Aloe vera gel can be used on the skin to soothe it, and help with inflammation.
Is hydrocortisone or aloe better for a sunburn?
Sunburn relief options Unfortunately, probably not—a 2008 study found that treating sunburns with topical corticosteroids like hydrocortisone or betamethasone is not particularly useful. Instead, doctors tend to recommend a cold compress, ibuprofen, and a soothing cream (such as aloe or petroleum jelly), says Dr.
How the Burn Center can help
Our goal is to provide patients with wound care approaches that are as simple as possible. We often employ wound care regimens that allow dressings to be left in place for multiple days at a time to minimize the amount of care required by patients at home.
How to prevent sunburn
After spending more time indoors than usual during the past year and a half, many people are a little out of practice when it comes to sun protection. Build better habits by following the tips below:
What is the role of pharmacists in the treatment of sunburn?
In addition to guiding patients with regard to product selection (Table), pharmacists can play a pivotal role in counseling patients on the means of avoiding future incidences of sunburn or other sun-related complications and reiterate the importance of protecting the skin when exposed to the sun.
What is OTC therapy for sunburn?
A Pharmacist's Guide to OTC Therapy: Sunburn Treatments. During the summer months, many consumers will seek assistance in selecting the appropriate treatment for various degrees of sunburn. Sunburn occurs when the skin becomes inflamed as a result of excess exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. 1. The symptoms of sunburn can be classified as ...
How to treat sunburns?
In general, minor sunburn is initially treated with the use of cool cloths or compresses to affected areas; taking cool showers or baths; or applying topical agents, such as aloe vera, various skin protectants, or topical hydrocortisone to the affected areas.
How long does it take for a sunburn to appear?
The first signs of sunburn may not appear for up to 4 hours after exposure and may peak between 12 and 24 hours following exposure. 1 Mild-to-moderate sunburn typically presents with symptoms ...
How do you know if you have a sunburn?
The symptoms of sunburn can be classified as mild, moderate, or severe depending on several factors, including the following 2: 1 The skin complexion of an individual (fair-skinned complexion has the highest risk of burning) 2 The time of day, duration, and altitude of exposure to the sun 3 Certain medications or chemicals in some skin preparations can make an individual more susceptible to sunburn if proper precautions are not taken.
Is sunburn a mild or severe condition?
The symptoms of sunburn can be classified as mild, moderate, or severe depending on several factors, including the following 2: The skin complexion of an individual (fair-skinned complexion has the highest risk of burning) The time of day, duration, and altitude of exposure to the sun. Certain medications or chemicals in some skin preparations can ...
Can hydrocortisone be used on blisters?
Topical hydrocortisone should never be applied to an area of open blisters. In addition, sometimes utilizing oral OTC analgesics may be deemed appropriate for some individuals. The use of various systemic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs has been shown to decrease inflammation caused by exposure to UV radiation. 1.
Drugs used to treat Sunburn
The following list of medications are in some way related to, or used in the treatment of this condition.
Alternative treatments for Sunburn
The following products are considered to be alternative treatments or natural remedies for Sunburn. Their efficacy may not have been scientifically tested to the same degree as the drugs listed in the table above. However there may be historical, cultural or anecdotal evidence linking their use to the treatment of Sunburn.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
What is the fastest way to get rid of sunburn?
Aside from applying a cold compress, there aren’t many options for long-lasting, instant sunburn relief. However, you can take steps to speed up the healing process. Here are some home remedies for sunburns.
Second Degree Sunburn Treatment
There are two main types of burns: first degree sunburns and second degree sunburns. Second degree sunburns typically cover larger areas of the body and take much longer to heal than first degree sunburns. When it comes to severe, second degree sunburns, home remedies may not be as effective. Seek medical treatment as soon as possible.
How long does a severe sunburn last?
The healing time for a really bad sunburn depends on its severity. If it’s a first degree sunburn and you have no symptoms aside from pink or reddish skin, it should heal within three days. A moderate sunburn likely will heal in about five days and may result in peeling skin.
How to Prevent Bad Sunburns
Using a broad spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen can protect your skin from severe sunburn and help to prevent skin cancer. When it comes to sunscreen, is higher SPF better? The short answer — not necessarily. For the best protection, use a sunscreen with an SPF 15 – 50. Reapplying every two hours will ensure optimal protection.
When to Go to The Emergency Room For Sunburns
Depending on how severe your sunburn is, you may need to know when to go to ER for a burn. Keep an eye out for a sunburn accompanied by any of the following symptoms: