Solar Radiation and Photoprotection
Acute Sunburn
Treatment (Box 8-1)
Sunburn is self-limited, and its treatment is largely symptomatic.
1. Cool-water soaks or compresses may provide immediate relief. Moisturizers are sometimes helpful.
2. Topical anesthetics are sometimes useful. It is generally preferable to use nonsensitizing preparations containing menthol, camphor, and pramoxine rather than potentially sensitizing preparations containing benzocaine and diphenhydramine. Refrigerating topical anesthetics before application provides added relief.
3. Anecdotal remedies (controlled studies are lacking) include aloe, baking soda, and oatmeal (Aveeno).
4. Topical steroids (e.g., triamcinolone 0.1% cream applied bid when erythema first appears) may blanch reddened skin but should not be used on blistered skin. The combined use of topical steroids and oral nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) slightly decreases erythema during the first 24 hours if these drugs are administered before exposure or shortly after exposure, before sunburn becomes clinically apparent.
5. Systemic steroids (e.g., 3- to 5-days of prednisone) have anecdotal support but are not supported by any clinical trial.
6. Oral NSAIDs, including aspirin, provide analgesia and may reduce sunburn erythema.
