Sunburned skin is a common condition, and overexposure happens in all seasons. Early treatment for a skin burn is advisable and is less painful than neglecting the burns. Depending on the skin area burned, treatment is fairly simple with over-the-counter products that provide relief.
Cold Compresses
Sunburn treatment with cold compresses is recommended by Lawrence Gibson, MD, of the Mayo Clinic. If the sunburn covers a large part of the skin, draw a cool-water bath and soak for approximately 15 minutes. Cool-water treatments should be done only in the first 12 to 24 hours after the skin burn. Water treatment after that time offers little relief and further dries the skin, making it more susceptible to peeling.
Home Remedies
Home sunburn remedies involve use of common cooking products. Vinegar is a popular home remedy for sunburn pain and swelling. Carol Mulvihill, RN, recommends putting distilled white vinegar on a washcloth to reduce the swelling associated with the burn. Sodium bicarbonate, commonly known as baking soda, is another traditional remedy that relieves swelling. Add one-quarter cup of soda to a cool bath for relief and be sure to moisturize after the bath to avoid skin drying.
Over-The-Counter Medications
Applying hydrocortisone cream, typically less than 1 percent strength, to a sunburn reduces the pain and may decrease the amount of swelling if applied less than six hours after the burn. Aloe vera is listed by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine as a treatment for sunburn. Break a leaf from the plant and rub it directly on a small area of sunburn or apply a lotion that incorporates aloe over larger burn areas. Both aloe and hydrocortisone creams are readily available over the counter from drug stores.
Warning Against Anesthetics
While products containing anesthetics, including benzocaine, are advertised as a treatment for sunburn, Dr. Gibson of the Mayo Clinic warns against using them. Clinical studies have yet to determine the effectiveness of such products, and some sunburn sufferers report that the products actually further irritate burned skin.
Pain Killers & Long-Term Damage
Aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen are commonly used to dull the pain from skin nerve receptors that signal the sunburn. The Mayo Clinic staff states on the clinic's website that a doctor should be consulted in cases of significant sunburn pain. With severe sunburns that involve blistering, the person should be taken immediately to a doctor for an evaluation. Early treatment may prevent cosmetic scarring. If the eyes are painful or the eyelids are sunburned, an ophthalmologist or optometrist should be consulted. Sunburn conditions on the eye can mean potential, permanent vision damage.
References
- Minneapolis Star Tribune: In a Pickle Over Sunburn? Try Vinegar
- University of Pittsburgh Connections Quarterly: Vinegar: An Ancient Medicine and Popular Home Remedy
- Mayo Clinic: Sunburn Treatment: What Works?
- Mayo Clinic: Sunburn: Symptoms
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Aloe Vera
