Sunburn Care
What is a sunburn?
A sunburn is the skin’s reaction to too much ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Sunlight is most intense in the middle of the day (between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm). UV radiation from sunlight causes the redness, warmth, swelling, and tenderness of sunburns. To prevent sunburns, use sunscreen or sun-protective clothing.
Although dermatologists want you to always prevent sunburns, sunburns do happen, and sometimes even dermatologists get sunburns. My patients love it when I have a sunburn (usually from forgetting to reapply sunscreen).
How do I fix a sunburn?
The best things for sunburns help to cool and heal the skin:
COOLING
Cool compresses or cool baths/showers.
Frequently apply aloe vera. This should be pure aloe vera from the plant itself or >99% aloe vera in the ingredient list. It feels better if kept in the fridge. If you choose the liquid version, you can put it in a sprayer in the fridge - so soothing!
PAIN RELIEF
If okay with your doctor, use Advil (ibuprofen) as directed on the bottle.
Another really good option is Voltaren gel (diclofenac). Clinical trials for sunburns showed it works great for decreasing pain. Again, keep this in the fridge to make it more soothing.
Healing
Put hydrocortisone ointment on the sunburn twice a day.
Keep the skin moisturized with Vaseline or Aquaphor throughout the day, with a thicker layer at bedtime.
What if my sunburn isn’t getting better?
Sometimes people get severe, blistering sunburns with swelling of the skin. Severe sunburns sometimes need steroid pills or prescription topical steroids to calm them down. When over-the-counter options are not working, look for a board-certified dermatologist in your area. If you are in or near Utah, see one of my excellent colleagues at the University of Utah - they have a Same Day Dermatology clinic that is perfect for 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.