Kool-a-Sun Sunscreen

Sunburn: Understanding & Treatment

Most of us have experienced the discomfort of sunburn at some point—that painful sensation where even the lightest touch causes sharp pain, followed by unsightly peeling skin days later. On this page, we'll explain what sunburn is, how to recognize it, and provide evidence-based treatments and natural remedies to help you recover quickly and safely.

Remember: The best treatment for sunburn is prevention. Always wear appropriate sunscreen with SPF 30+ and reapply every 2 hours or after swimming or excessive sweating. Keep children especially well protected, as childhood sunburns significantly increase the risk of skin cancer later in life.

Ensure your children wear sunblock

What is Sunburn?

Sunburn is a painful inflammatory skin reaction due to overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, typically from sunlight. It can also be caused by other forms of UV radiation like sunlamps, tanning beds, or welding arcs.

Sunburn normally affects only the outermost layer of skin (first-degree burn), but extreme and repeated prolonged sun exposure may result in second-degree burns and blistering. While sunburn cannot cause third-degree burns and rarely results in permanent scarring, the damage it causes to your DNA can lead to long-term skin problems, including premature aging and increased skin cancer risk.

For fair-skinned, sun-sensitive individuals, sunburn can occur in as little as 15 minutes of sun exposure. Unfortunately, the effects of excessive sun exposure typically aren't evident until 2-5 hours after the damage has occurred, with the most noticeable redness and inflammation appearing 12-30 hours later—well after the damage is done.

How the sun damages your skin

Symptoms of Sunburn

Common Sunburn Symptoms

  • Pain and tenderness in exposed skin areas
  • Reddening and inflammation (a feeling of warmth)
  • Skin that feels hot to the touch
  • Peeling and flaking of the skin 3-7 days later

Severe Sunburn Symptoms (Seek Medical Attention)

  • Blistering of the skin
  • Swelling (edema)
  • Headache, fever, nausea, or fatigue
  • Dizziness or confusion
  • Signs of dehydration
  • Extensive blistering or extreme pain
Sunburn symptoms to check for

What Not To Do With Sunburn

  • Do not expose sunburned skin to further sunlight until completely healed
  • Avoid petroleum jelly, butter, or any product that traps heat in the skin
  • Do not use toothpaste on sunburn (a popular but ineffective home remedy)
  • Avoid hot showers or baths, which can worsen inflammation
  • Never pop blisters from severe sunburn as this increases infection risk
  • Avoid alcohol consumption, which can increase dehydration
  • Do not use products containing benzocaine or lidocaine, which can irritate damaged skin

Medical Treatment of Sunburn

Immediate Actions

If your child shows any symptoms of severe sunburn, consult a doctor immediately.

  • Take a cool (not cold) bath or shower to reduce irritation and pain
  • Increase fluid intake for 2-3 days to prevent dehydration
  • Take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen to reduce pain and inflammation
  • For children, use age-appropriate pain relievers recommended by a physician
  • Keep all sunburned areas protected from further sun exposure until fully healed

Medical Interventions

  • Physician-prescribed oral steroids or corticosteroids can reduce severe symptoms
  • Topical steroid creams may have minimal effect but are sometimes recommended
  • Creams containing Vitamins A, C, and E have shown beneficial effects on sunburned areas
  • Elastin-containing creams may shorten healing time
  • Silver sulfadiazine (1% cream) is often prescribed for more severe cases
  • Cooling, evaporative creams can provide temporary relief

Natural Sunburn Remedies

Plant-Based Solutions

  • Aloe Vera: The gel inside aloe leaves contains compounds that reduce inflammation, promote circulation, and prevent bacteria growth
  • Other Succulents: Some Bulbanella species have similar properties to aloe vera
  • Cucumber: Thin slices applied to affected areas can reduce inflammation and provide cooling relief
  • Calendula: Creams containing this herb have anti-inflammatory properties

Home Remedies

  • Cold Milk Compress: The fatty acids and lactic acid in milk have healing effects on sunburn. Use full-cream milk for best results
  • Cold Tea: Cold Ceylon tea is rich in tannins that may help heal sunburn. Apply cold, used tea bags to sunburned eyelids to relieve swelling
  • Apple Cider Vinegar Bath: A cool bath with a few tablespoons of apple cider vinegar may provide relief
  • Hydration: Drink plenty of water and fruit juice to replenish fluids and mineral salts lost through dehydration
  • Oatmeal Bath: Colloidal oatmeal added to a cool bath can soothe irritated skin
Natural Sunburn Remedies

Prevention: The Best Treatment

The most effective way to deal with sunburn is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Kool-a-Sun offers a range of high-quality sunscreens and sun protection products to keep your skin safe.

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Have questions about sun protection or dealing with sunburn? Contact our skin care specialists:

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