How is sunburn treated?

Sunburn is a common skin condition resulting from overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, leading to skin inflammation and damage. Effective treatment is sought to alleviate symptoms and promote healing.

Key insights from the research on sunburn treatment include:

Studies indicate that corticosteroids, NSAIDs, antioxidants, antihistamines, and emollients may not significantly decrease recovery time from sunburn, with some studies showing mild improvement but with flawed designs or methods.
Certain herbal preparations containing extracts from plants such as Aloe vera, Centella asiatica, and Matricaria chamomilla have been found to be effective in treating burn wounds and sunburn, potentially shortening healing time and reducing inflammation.
Antioxidants like vitamins C and E, carotenoids, selenium, and proanthocyanidins may provide a protective effect against sunburn when used in combination, potentially slowing down the development and grade of UVB-induced erythema .
Topical application of tocopherol acetate (vitamin E) after UV exposure can significantly reduce sunburn-associated erythema, edema, and skin sensitivity in animal models, suggesting potential benefits for human sunburn treatment.
Aloe saponaria and its constituents have demonstrated anti-nociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects in a UVB-induced sunburn model in rats, indicating a potential role in sunburn treatment.
Topical glucocorticosteroids like methylprednisolone aceponate and hydrocortisone 17-butyrate have been shown to be safe and effective in reducing sunburn symptoms in human volunteers.
However, another study found no significant difference in the treatment of sunburn with topical corticosteroids compared to a placebo.
Aloe vera extract gel applied topically increased the number of macrophages and epithelialization in UVB-induced sunburn in mice, suggesting a beneficial effect on the healing process.

In conclusion, while some pharmacological agents have shown limited effectiveness in reducing sunburn recovery time, certain herbal and natural preparations, particularly those containing Aloe vera and antioxidants, have demonstrated potential benefits in treating sunburn. Topical corticosteroids may also be effective, although evidence is mixed. The role of antioxidants and natural products in enhancing the healing process and reducing inflammation appears to be a promising area for further research and application in sunburn treatment.

How is sunburn treated?

Summary

Sources and full results

Management of Acute Sunburn

Acute sunburn management is most effective and practical by treating symptoms, as corticosteroids, NSAIDs, antioxidants, antihistamines, and emollients show ineffectiveness in reducing recovery time.

The Potential of Medicinal Plants and Natural Products in the Treatment of Burns and Sunburn—A Review

Herbal preparations, such as extracts from Albizia julibrissin, Aloe vera, and Centella asiatica, show potential in treating burn wounds and sunburn, with potential synergistic effects.

Photoprotection of UV-Irradiated Human Skin: An Antioxidative Combination of Vitamins E and C, Carotenoids, Selenium and Proanthocyanidins

Seresis, an antioxidative combination of vitamins E and C, carotenoids, selenium, and proanthocyanidins, can slow down the development and grade of UVB-induced erythema, potentially preventing sunburn and chronic skin damage.

Protective effect against sunburn of combined systemic ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and d-alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E).

Combined vitamins C and E reduce sunburn reactions, potentially reducing the risk of long-term UV-induced skin damage.

Topical tocopherol acetate reduces post-UVB, sunburn-associated erythema, edema, and skin sensitivity in hairless mice.

Topical application of tocopherol acetate significantly reduces post-UVB sunburn-associated erythema, edema, and skin sensitivity in hairless mice.

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of Aloe saponaria Haw in a model of UVB-induced paw sunburn in rats.

Topical Aloe saponaria treatment reduces pain and inflammation in a UVB-induced sunburn model, likely due to its antioxidant components.

A randomized, controlled study of the safety and efficacy of topical corticosteroid treatments of sunburn in healthy volunteers

Topical glucocorticosteroids, MPA and HCB, are safe and effective in treating sunburn in healthy volunteers without significant differences between treatments.

Effect of topical corticosteroids on symptoms of clinical sunburn.

Topical corticosteroids do not significantly improve symptoms of mild to moderate sunburn compared to an inert carrier base.

ON SUNBURN: AN ORALLY EFFECTIVE CURE

Orally administered epsom salts show promise as an effective and promising treatment for sunburn, offering immediate relief and reducing the need for prescription medications.

Topical Administration of Aloe vera Extract Gel Increased the Number of Macrophages and Epithelialization in UVB-Induced Sunburn Ersje Retnowati1,

Topical Aloe vera gel extract for five days significantly increased the number of macrophages and epithelialization in UVB-induced sunburn.

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