Sunburn and Its Treatment

What is Sunburn?

Sunburn is a burn or damage to the living tissue, such as skin, which is produced by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, commonly from the sun's rays. It can also happen from the artificial sources, such as welding arcs, the lamps used in sun beds and ultraviolet germicidal irradiation. Usually the mild symptoms include reddish skin. If the sunburn is due to Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation, it can cause dangerous effects including the risk of two types of skin cancer: basal-cell carcinoma and squalors cell carcinoma.

Treating Sunburn:

The effected skin should not be exposed to the sun at all and all possible future sunburns should be avoided. The healing process takes its own time; in fact, the best treatment for most sunburn is time. Most sunburn should heal completely within a few weeks. However, there are also a number of treatments that can help to manage the discomfort or facilitate the healing process. 

Topical applications:

The pain and burning associated with sunburn can be relieved with a number of different remedies applied to the burn site. Lidocaine or Benzocaine can be administered to the spot of injury and will generally subside most of the pain.  The skin can also be hydrated by applying topical products containing Aloe vera and vitamin E, which reduce inflammation. Hydrocortisone cream may also help reduce inflammation and itching. People with sunburn should avoid the use of butter; this is a false remedy which can prevent healing and damage skin.

When treating open sores caused by sunburn, like any other open skin wound, it is best to avoid lotions or other directly-applied ointments. Antibacterial solutions and gauze can be used to prevent skin infections.

Oral medication:

Sunburns can cause a headache or mild fever in addition to the pain, so an analgesic may be indicated. Acetaminophen can help to relieve the pain. Taking NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen may help to reduce pain and inflammation. Aspirin may also be used, but it is advised not to give aspirin to children as it may cause Reye's syndrome.

Hospitalization: 

In case of dehydration or suffering from heat stress, IV fluids may be given by admitting the person to the hospital. People with very severe cases may be transferred to the hospital's burn unit.

Prevention: 

Prevention is always better than cure; sunscreen is widely agreed to prevent sunburn. Clothing, including hats, is also considered to be the preferred skin protection method.


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