Sunburn Treatments
and First Aid
Unfortunately, there is no fast-fix sunburn treatments. Once sunburn occurs, you cannot do much to limit damage to your skin. However your doctor can help reduce pain and discomfort in the hours and days following sunburn.
First Aid
Quick self-care at home:
- Take a cool bath or shower. Avoid scrubbing the skin. Use soft towels, don't rub.
- Or place wet, cold cloths on the burn for 10 to 15 minutes several times a day. As small children may become easily chilled use lukewarm water.
- Apply a soothing cream, lotion or another preparation approved by your doctor or pharmacist to the skin
- Aloe gel is a common household remedy.
- An over-the-counter pain medication such as acetaminophen may be helpful for sunburn pain relief
- Drink plenty of water to replenish lost fluids
DO NOT apply petroleum jelly, benocaine, lidocaine or butter to the sunburn. They make the symptoms worse and can prevent healing. DO NOT wash burned skin with harsh soap, bath salts, oils or perfume because these may produce sensitivity reactions.
Keep in mind that it may take 24 hours after sun exposure to know the full extent and severity of sunburn. If blisters form, don't break them. They contain your natural body fluid (serum) and are a protective layer. Breaking blisters slow the healing process and increases the risk of infection. If needed, lightly cover blisters with gauze. If blisters break on their own, apply an antibacterial cream.
Within a few days your body will start to heal itself by getting rid of the top layer of damaged skin - "peeling" process.
When Does Sunburn Require Medical Attention?
See your doctor if you suffer from the following symptoms:
- feeling faint dizzy
- rapid pulse and rapid breathing
- nausea or vomiting
- headache
- extreme pain
- severe blistering
- fever and chills
- yellow drainage (pus) from an open ruptured blister
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDs) and corticosteroid medication are commonly prescribed by doctors for sunburn treatments.
Take a QUIZ! Is sunburn dangerous? YES or NO?
The answer is Yes. Although there is limited evidence whether sunburn directly causes cancer, sunburn is a sign that the skin has been damaged. Your risk of melanoma or other skin cancers is related, among other things, to the number of times you have had intense exposure to UV radiation.
Related Articles
More about sunburn and sunburn blisters.
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