Consumer Tips

How to help a sunburn heal faster

Our partners at Optum Perks

July 23, 2024

Sunburn happens when your skin gets too much UV radiation, leading to discoloration, pain, and swelling. Anyone can get sunburned, no matter their skin type. Sunburns range from mild redness (first-degree) to painful blisters (second-degree) and even deeper damage (third-degree). Mild sunburns usually heal in a week, but severe ones can last a month or more. Remember, even a mild sunburn can cause long-term damage.

Tips to heal a sunburn

Here are some top tips from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) to help your body heal from sunburn:

1. Cool down: Take gentle cool showers or baths and use cold compresses for immediate relief. Avoid placing ice directly on your skin to prevent frostbite.
2. Moisturize: Use lotions with aloe vera to soothe and hydrate your skin. Steer clear of lotions containing alcohol, as they can dry out your skin.
3. Hydrate: Drink plenty of water to aid skin repair. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks, as they can dehydrate you.
4. Avoid sun exposure: Cover sunburned skin to prevent further damage. If the sunburn is severe, seek medical attention.

How to prevent a sunburn 

Keep your skin safe from harmful UV rays with these tips:

1. Apply sunscreen: Use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen. Lighter skin tones should opt for SPF 50 or higher, while darker skin tones can use SPF 15 to 30. Always reapply as directed, especially after swimming or sweating. Tinted sunscreen may offer extra protection.
2. Wear protective clothing: Choose long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and wide-brimmed hats. UV-protective clothing is also a great option.
3. Seek shade: Avoid direct sunlight, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
4. Check the UV index: Plan outdoor activities when the UV index is low to minimize skin damage risk.
5. Use sunscreen on cloudy days: UV rays penetrate clouds, so always protect your skin, even when it's overcast.
6. Use solar radiation sensors: Wearable devices that measure UV exposure in real time can alert you when you're at risk, helping you balance sun exposure and protection.

Medical treatments for sunburn

Sometimes, sunburns need medical intervention, especially if they’re severe. Here are some over-the-counter (OTC) treatments:

1. Pain and inflammation: Nonprescription pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve) are great for reducing sunburn-related pain and inflammation.
2. Moisturizers: Use lotions containing aloe vera to soothe sunburned skin. Avoid products with petroleum, as they can trap heat.
3. Skin inflammation and itchiness: OTC creams like hydrocortisone (Cortizone-10, Cortef) can help reduce mild skin inflammation and itchiness.

Prescription treatments for sunburn 

For more severe sunburns, medical professionals may recommend prescription treatments:

1. Severe sunburn: Doctors might prescribe corticosteroid creams like triamcinolone (Kenalog) or clobetasol (Temovate) when OTC treatments aren’t effective.
2. Pain from severe sunburn: Stronger pain relievers such as tramadol (Ultram) or hydrocodone acetaminophen (Vicodin, Norco) can help manage extreme pain.
3. Infections: If a sunburn leads to a bacterial infection, antibiotic treatments like mupirocin (Bactroban) or oral antibiotics like cephalexin (Keflex) can treat the infection.

By following these tips, you can enjoy all the fun of summer while keeping your skin safe from sun damage. At Union Plus, we understand how important skin health is to our members and their families. This article offers helpful tips on protecting your skin this summer, but remember, it's always best to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and care.