Effective Sunburn Relief: Soothe, Heal & Prevent Further Damage

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

Immediate Relief (First 24-48 Hours)

• Cool the skin: Cool (not ice-cold) baths/showers, cold compresses 10-15 min, several times daily
• Hydrate: Drink extra water; sunburn draws fluid to skin surface
• NSAIDs: Ibuprofen 400-600 mg q6h or naproxen 220-440 mg q12h — reduces inflammation/pain (take with food)
• Avoid: Hot water, harsh soaps, scrubbing, petroleum jelly (traps heat), "-caine" products (benzocaine — allergy risk)

Topical Treatments

• Aloe vera gel: Pure, fragrance-free; soothing, anti-inflammatory
• Moisturizers: Fragrance-free, ceramide-containing (CeraVe, Vanicream) while skin damp
• Hydrocortisone 1% cream: For inflammation/itch; not on blisters/broken skin
• Colloidal oatmeal baths: Soothing for widespread burns

Blister Care

• Do not pop. Intact blisters = natural sterile dressing
• If large/painful: sterile needle at edge, drain fluid, leave roof intact
• Apply antibiotic ointment (bacitracin) and non-stick dressing

Healing Phase (Days 3-7+)

• Continue moisturizing
• Peeling is normal; don't force
• Strict sun protection: UPF clothing, broad-spectrum SPF 30+, shade
• New skin is highly photosensitive for weeks

Seek Medical Care If:

• Blisters >20% body surface (palm = 1%)
• Fever, chills, nausea, confusion (sunstroke/sun poisoning)
• Signs of infection: increasing pain, redness, pus, red streaks
• Severe pain unresponsive to OTC meds
• Underlying photosensitizing condition/medication

Prevention

• Broad-spectrum SPF 30+; reapply q2h, after swim/sweat
• Seek shade 10 AM-4 PM
• UPF clothing, wide-brim hat, sunglasses
• Avoid tanning beds