Skin exposed to direct, intense sunlight for long periods of time becomes red and burned. Sunburn is a common summertime ailment you can prevent with frequent applications of sunscreen. Like other skin burns, sunburn's severity measured in degrees. First degree is the least amount of damage, escalating to third-degree, or most severe. The best cure for mild to moderate sunburn is time, as the skin rejuvenates itself over a few days. Drug stores and pharmacies carry plenty of remedies to cut the pain and itching associated with a sunburn.
Hydrocortisone
Over-the-counter hydrocortisone products provide relief of sunburn and other skin irritations. It is most widely available as a cream or gel, but may be sold as a medicated towelette or ointment. Without a prescription, it is available in 0.5 percent or 1 percent strength dosages and can be applied up to four times daily.
Ibuprofen
The throbbing ache related to sunburn is controllable with a regular pain-controlling pill, like ibuprofen. The medication interrupts the transmission of the enzyme (COX-2) which transmits pain. It also assists with repairing damaged skin tissue and reducing any fever that comes from a more intense sunburn.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera is an herbal remedy used as a topical gel. Pleasant smelling and cooling to the touch, aloe vera has some therapeutic effect on the burn. The National Library of Medicine gives it a grade of C for its ability to impact skin burns, but that has not stopped it from being one of the most widely available remedies at drug stores.
