Sunburn Relief: Evidence-Based Ways to Soothe & Heal

Sunburn is UV-induced skin damage. Immediate care reduces pain, inflammation, and long-term harm.

Immediate First Aid

1. Cool the skin: Cool (not ice-cold) baths, showers, or compresses for 15–20 minutes, several times daily. Avoid direct ice contact.
2. Hydrate: Drink extra water; sunburn draws fluid to skin surface, increasing dehydration risk.
3. Moisturize while damp: Apply fragrance-free moisturizer (aloe vera, soy, or ceramide-based) within 3 minutes of bathing. Avoid petroleum jelly, oils, or butter—they trap heat.

Symptom Relief

• Anti-inflammatories: Ibuprofen (400–600 mg every 6–8 hrs) or naproxen reduce pain, swelling, redness. Acetaminophen helps pain only.
• Topical soothers: Aloe vera gel (pure, chilled), calamine lotion (for itching), colloidal oatmeal baths.
• OTC hydrocortisone 1% cream: Short-term use for significant inflammation (avoid face/groin unless directed).
• Lidocaine/menthol sprays: Temporary numbing/cooling; use sparingly.

Protect & Monitor

• Stay out of sun until fully healed; wear UPF clothing, wide-brim hat.
• Don’t pop blisters—they protect underlying skin. If they break, clean gently, apply antibiotic ointment, cover with non-stick gauze.
• Peeling is normal; let it shed naturally.

Seek Medical Care If:

• Blisters cover >20% body surface (e.g., whole back).
• Fever >101°F, chills, severe pain, confusion, dizziness.
• Signs of infection: increasing redness, warmth, pus, red streaks.
• Sunburn in infant <1 year.

Prevention: Broad-spectrum SPF 30+, reapplied every 2 hours.