Relief for sunburn: Home strategies and medical interventions
In the height of summer, sunburns can be an unfortunate reality for many. Here's a guide to help you manage sunburn symptoms and promote healing, as well as prevent future incidents.
Staying hydrated is crucial during sunburn recovery, helping to prevent dehydration. If sunburn symptoms escalate to severe sun poisoning, emergency symptoms may include chills, confusion, fainting, fever, nausea or vomiting, severe blistering, severe dehydration, and intense pain. Severe cases may necessitate inpatient medical treatment, including antibiotics.
When it comes to relief, aloe vera gel can provide soothing relief for sunburns, thanks to its cooling effect and potential moisture-retaining properties. Commercial aloe vera products, however, can vary widely in quality and purity, which may affect their effectiveness. Over-the-counter hydrocortisone creams can also help reduce inflammation in painful areas.
For mild to moderate sunburns, aloe vera gel and cool compresses might provide sufficient relief. However, for severe sunburns, prescription-strength hydrocortisone creams can offer more potent anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce damage. Stronger prescription hydrocortisone creams may also come with side effects if used improperly, such as skin thinning.
Preventive measures are the best defense against sunburn. Using sunscreen, staying in the shade, and wearing protective clothing are all effective strategies. Tightly woven fabrics can provide additional protection while healing from sunburn.
If you experience blistering signs of infection, slow wound healing, or mild to moderate pain that does not go away within a week, it's important to see your primary care doctor. Severe sunburns may require antibiotics if they lead to skin infections.
Soy-based moisturizers may also help relieve sunburn, while taking a cool bath can soothe sunburn and reduce inflammation. A doctor may prescribe oral steroids like prednisone for severe sunburn to reduce inflammation and promote healing. In some cases, they may also prescribe treatments to ease sunburn and antibiotics for infections.
Remember, many home or natural remedies lack research and may carry risks. It's always best to consult a healthcare professional for advice on the most effective treatments for sunburn.
[1] British Association of Dermatologists. Aloe vera: a systematic review. Br J Dermatol. 2013 May;168(5):965-71. doi: 10.1111/bjd.12169. Epub 2013 Mar 26. PMID: 23584384. [2] American Academy of Dermatology. Sunburn: First aid and treatment.
- To prevent dehydration during sunburn recovery, it's essential to stay hydrated.
- Over-the-counter hydrocortisone creams can help reduce inflammation in painful areas, but prescription-strength hydrocortisone creams may offer more potent anti-inflammatory properties for severe sunburns.
- Soy-based moisturizers and cool baths can help provide relief for sunburn, while a doctor may prescribe oral steroids like prednisone for severe cases to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
- Preventive measures, such as using sunscreen, staying in the shade, and wearing protective clothing, are the best defense against sunburn.
- Consult a healthcare professional for advice on the most effective treatments for sunburn, as many home or natural remedies lack research and may carry risks.
