What is a sunburn?

A sunburn is your skin’s response to too much ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. UV rays are strongest between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm, and they cause the redness, warmth, swelling, and tenderness that define a sunburn. The best way to prevent sunburn is by using sunscreen or wearing sun-protective clothing.

While dermatologists strongly recommend preventing sunburns, they do happen—sometimes even to dermatologists. My patients love it when I show up with a sunburn (usually from forgetting to reapply sunscreen)!

How do I fix a sunburn?

The best treatments for sunburn focus on cooling, pain relief, and healing:

VITAMIN D

A study found that taking a single high dose of Vitamin D3 (200,000 IU) within one hour of getting a sunburn reduced redness and inflammation and helped the skin heal faster.
See the original study or read a great summary of the findings.

COOLING

Use cool compresses or take cool baths/showers.
Apply pure aloe vera (>99% aloe or straight from the plant) often. Keep it in the fridge for extra relief.
For liquid aloe, store it in a spray bottle in the fridge for easy, soothing application.

PAIN RELIEF

If your doctor says it's okay, take ibuprofen (Advil) as directed.
Try Voltaren gel (diclofenac)—clinical studies show it works well for sunburn pain. Keep it refrigerated for added comfort.

HEALING

Apply hydrocortisone 1% ointment twice daily.
Keep skin moisturized with Vaseline or Aquaphor throughout the day, and apply a thicker layer at night.

What if my sunburn isn’t getting better?

If your sunburn is severe—blistering, very swollen, or not improving—over-the-counter treatments might not be enough. You may need prescription steroid creams or even steroid pills to calm the inflammation.

Look for a board-certified dermatologist in your area. If you are in or near Utah, visit one of my excellent colleagues at the University of Utah’s Rapid Access Dermatology clinic—perfect for treating severe sunburns.

DISCLAIMER

The statements expressed and content of this website are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Readers should seek their own professional counsel for any medical condition or before starting or altering any treatment, exercise, or dietary plan. Please see our full disclaimer here.

Sunburn Care