Symptoms

Mildly reddish to severely red or purplish skin discoloration; skin feels hot and tender. Sunburn appears one to six hours after exposure to sunlight and peaks within 24 hours, later fading to tan or brown.

Small, fluid-filled blisters that may itch and eventually break; flaking or peeling skin that reveals the tender, reddened underlayer.

Red, blistered skin accompanied by chills, fever, nausea, or dehydration. This severe stage of sunburn is considered a first-degree burn.

Pain and irritation of the eye associated with overexposure to ultraviolet rays from sunlight or other sources.

Call Your Doctor If

Even though light-skinned people have the highest risk of getting sunburned, skin of any color can be damaged by the sun’s rays. A sunburn is like any other kind of burn, except that it comes on more slowly. Skin that is reddened and feels hot to the touch can be self-treated and will heal in a matter of days. Sunburned skin that swells or blisters, causing localized pain and overall discomfort, is considered a first-degree burn. A sunburn that results in swelling and extensive blisters may be accompanied by fever, nausea, and dehydration.

Herbal Beauty

Getting a severe sunburn early in life increases the risk of developing malignant melanoma, a type of skin cancer, years later.

The Sun’s Dangerous Rays

Of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation that penetrates Earth’s atmosphere, UVA radiation generally only tans but may also take part in premature aging and wrinkling. UVB rays cause sunburn and the potential for skin cancer. Reflected sunlight from sand, water, or snow is as strong as direct sunlight; shade, clouds, clothes, sunglasses, and sunscreens do not provide complete protection. In addition, certain drugs can intensify the harmful effects of UV radiation; if you are concerned about the potential danger, ask your healthcare practitioner about the risk of photosensitivity.

Treatment Options

Few cases of sunburn require medical care. If the burn is very painful or widespread, a doctor may prescribe oral corticosteroids to relieve the discomfort. Treatment for extremely severe cases of sunburn—those involving extensive blistering, dehydration, or fever—usually requires bed rest and possibly hospitalization.

Ayurvedic Medicine

Fresh gel of aloe or a paste made from the herb Indian country mallow can provide relief when they are applied to the skin. A paste or the oil of sandalwood applied to the forehead may help cool the body. Consult a practitioner of Ayurvedic medicine to find out about these and other traditional Indian remedies.

Chinese Medicine

A traditional Chinese remedy for burns of any kind is Ching Wan Hung (Beijing Absolute Red); consult a practitioner of Chinese medicine for treatment.

Flower Remedy

The flower remedy known as Rescue Remedy cream can be applied to sunburned skin to provide relief. Consult a practitioner such as a naturopathic physician who is familiar with flower remedies.

Herbal Therapies

Over-the-counter preparations containing aloe (Aloe barbadensis) are excellent for relieving the dryness and irritation that accompany sunburn. Lotions, poultices, and compresses containing calendula (Calendula officinalis) will reduce inflammation and pain. Echinacea (Echinacea spp.) may be used on exposed new skin after peeling or blistering, to help prevent infection.

Homeopathy

Cantharis (12x) taken orally every three to four hours for up to two days is recommended for relieving pain and helping to heal blisters.

Hydrotherapy

A cool bath laced with several tablespoonfuls of baking soda or cider vinegar can relieve the pain, itching, and inflammation of a moderate sunburn.

Home Remedies

Apply cold compresses or calamine lotion to ease itchiness, take aspirin to relieve pain, and have a cool bath or shower for overall relief. Drink plenty of water, but avoid alcohol, which dehydrates the skin. Do not break any blisters; doing so will slow the healing process and increase the risk of infection. When your skin peels or the blisters break, gently remove dried fragments and apply an antiseptic ointment or hydrocortisone cream to the skin beneath. If you feel feverish or nauseated, drink lots of fluids and see a doctor immediately.

Prevention

The most effective way to prevent sunburn is to limit your exposure to direct sunlight, especially between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Take a look at your shadow: If it’s shorter than your height, stay under cover.

If you have to be outside in the midday sun, wear loose-fitting clothes, a broad-brimmed hat, and socks and shoes to protect your feet and ankles.

  • Note that radiation exposure is greater at higher altitudes and southern latitudes.
  • Any water surface reflects the sun’s rays and can double the radiation dose. Protect your skin with a water-resistant sunscreen.
  • Protect babies’ sensitive skin from strong sunlight, and alert older children to the hazards of overexposure.
  • Wear sunglasses that are rated for UV protection. In general, gray, brown, and green lenses—in order from most to least effective—can block out damaging UV rays.

Screening the Sun

Two types of sunscreens are on the market. Physical sun- blocks, such as zinc ointment, protect by creating a barrier between your skin and the sun. They’re good for small areas, such as the nose and lips, but not for your whole body Products containing para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) block virtually all UVB rays—the kind most likely to cause sunburn—but offer only minimal protection against UVA rays.

Sunscreens carry a sun protection factor (SPF); a rating of SPF 15 is recommended for most people, but fair-skinned people who are in the sun all day need more. Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before you go out, and reapply it after a swim. Even if you don’t swim, a waterproof sunscreen has more staying power. If PABA gives you a rash, try sunscreens containing cinnamates for UVB protection and avobenzone for UVA protection.

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