Sunburn: What Can I Do?

Paul M. Graham, DO

Summer is finally here and that means spending a lot more time outdoors. It is almost inevitable that you will experience a sunburn at least once this season if proper sun protection habits are not in place. Depending on the amount of sun exposure that occurs, a sunburn can be quite debilitating, often with significant discomfort. To expedite a speedy recovery and diminish the symptoms associated with a moderate to severe sunburn, follow these 8 simple steps.

1. Get out of the sun
   • As soon as a sunburn occurs, it is imperative to seek shade immediately. Additional sun exposure will lead to further damage to the skin.
2. A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID) such as ibuprofen or aspirin should be considered
   • Anti-inflammatory medication can help relieve the discomfort and swelling associated with a sunburn.
3. Moisturize with aloe vera
   • Aloe vera offers soothing and antimicrobial benefits when applied to sunburn.
4. Relieve discomfort with frequent cool showers
   • Cool showers help decrease associated discomfort and swelling by slowing blood flow to the skin.
5. Drink more water
   • A sunburn often causes increased blood flow to the skin leading to a decrease in volume of water in the body. It is important to replenish this deficit by drinking extra water throughout the day.
6. If blisters develop, apply a petrolatum-based ointment (Aquaphor/Vaseline)
   • Blisters are often a sign of a second-degree burn and typically results from a disruption in the top layer of the skin called the epidermis. A moist environment helps to speed up healing time and decreases risk of infection.
7. Make sun-protection a habit
   • Wearing protective clothing, seeking shade during peak UV hours, and applying an SPF 30 or greater will significantly reduce the occurrence of a sunburn. Check out the following articles for more information on ultraviolet radiation and sun exposure: Sun Protection: The Burning Truth, Car Windows: Am I Protected from the Sun?, SPF: What does it really mean?, Beware Of A Base Tan.
8. Schedule an appointment with a dermatologist 
   • It is highly recommended to have yearly full-body skin exams. Proper skin surveillance will decrease the chances of skin cancer going unnoticed.

Although a sunburn may be temporary, it is very important to keep in mind that exposure to UV radiation significantly increases your risk for the development of skin cancer. According to a study published in JAMA in 2006, 1 in 4 Americans will develop skin cancer during the course of their life. Seeing a dermatologist at least once a year will lower your risk of developing an invasive skin cancer and often will increase your awareness of good sun-protection practices.

References

1. Robinson, JK. Sun exposure, sun protection, and vitamin D. JAMA 2005; 294:1541-43.
2. https://www.aad.org/public/skin-hair-nails/injured-skin/treating-sunburn
3. http://www.skincancer.org/prevention/sunburn/five-ways-to-treat-a-sunburn

Please note, our medical disclaimer applies to all information, images, recommendations, and comments published on this page.