Medicines for Sunburn

What it is

Sunburn is skin damage caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, most commonly from the sun but also from artificial sources such as sunbeds. It is common and usually short-lived, but it is a sign of skin damage and, over time, repeated sunburn increases the risk of skin cancer and skin ageing, so it is important both to treat it and to prevent it. Sunburnt skin becomes red (or, on darker skin, may feel irritated, tender or look darker), warm, sore or tender to touch, and sometimes itchy; more severe sunburn can cause swelling and blistering, and the skin may later peel as it heals. Symptoms usually appear a few hours after exposure and are often at their worst after a day or so. Severe or extensive sunburn can be accompanied by signs of heat-related illness or feeling unwell (such as a headache, high temperature, nausea, dizziness, or feeling faint), particularly if a lot of skin is affected. Sunburn can happen even on cloudy days and to skin of all colours, and children’s skin is especially vulnerable. While mild sunburn usually heals by itself within a few days with simple self-care, it is important to protect the skin from further sun while it heals, to seek advice if the burn is severe (extensive blistering, severe pain, or feeling unwell), and — crucially — to prevent sunburn in future, as sun protection reduces the risk of skin cancer.

How it is treated

Mild sunburn is usually managed with simple self-care to relieve discomfort and support healing, while protecting the skin from further sun. Helpful measures include: getting out of the sun and staying out of it until the burn has healed; cooling the skin — for example with a cool (not ice-cold) shower or bath, or a cool, damp cloth (a flannel) on the skin; applying an after-sun product or an unperfumed moisturiser or aloe vera to soothe the skin; drinking plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration; and simple pain relief for discomfort if needed. It is best to avoid using petroleum jelly, greasy creams, or products that trap heat, not to pop any blisters (to reduce the risk of infection and scarring), and to keep the affected skin covered from the sun. Loose, cool clothing is more comfortable over sunburn. Most sunburn settles within a few days. It is important to seek advice if the sunburn is severe — with a lot of blistering or swelling, severe pain, a high temperature, or feeling unwell (dizzy, sick, or faint) — as this may need medical attention, and to take particular care with sunburn in babies and young children. The most important part of managing sunburn is preventing it: staying in the shade (especially in the middle of the day), covering up with clothing and a hat, and using a high-factor, broad-spectrum sunscreen generously and reapplying it, protect the skin and reduce the risk of skin cancer. The reassuring message is that mild sunburn usually heals within a few days with cooling and moisturising, while good sun protection prevents it and protects long-term skin health.