Sunburns

Excessive exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation causes sunburn.

When exposed to UV rays, the skin cells produce more melanin, a pigment that offers some natural protection against the sun. When the exposure time exceeds the ability of the skin to withstand the UV rays, the skin becomes damaged. Symptoms of overexposure usually show within 6 hours of being in the sun. Discomfort from overexposure can last for several days.

Damaged skin cells trigger an inflammatory response, ranging from the mildest pink coloration of the skin to extreme red skin that blisters and peels, pain, swelling, burning sensation, tightness, peeling, flaking, dryness, and itchiness.

The more severe the sunburn, the worse the symptoms and discomfort. Severe sunburns result in extreme redness, blistering, tight and swollen skin. After the first few days, the burned skin will begin to peel away.

  • UVA radiation rays' harmful effects penetrate the skin deeply, causing long-term damage and aging. Levels of UVA rays remain constant all year round and can pass through clouds and glass.
  • UVB Radiation rays are the type of radiation that cause sunburns. UVB rays affect the outer layer of the skin. They cause significant damage to the skin and increase the risk of skin cancer. The level of UVB rays varies depending on the time of day, season, and location.

Risk Factors for Sunburn

  • Sun Intensity: Sunburns are more likely to occur when the rays are strongest, typically between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
  • Altitude and Latitude: Higher altitudes, such as mountain locations or areas closer to the equator, have increased UV radiation levels leading to a higher risk of sunburn.
  • Reflective Surfaces: Areas with reflective light surfaces such as water, sand, and snow reflect UV rays, increasing exposure.
  • Medications: Some medications increase the chance of sunburn by making the skin more susceptible to UV rays. Protect the skin carefully if you are taking medicines with these side effects.
  • Lack of Sunscreen: To avoid sunburn and reduce the likelihood of skin cancer and long-term skin damage, use sunscreen with a high SPF, wear protective clothing, seek shade during peak sun hours, and avoid tanning beds to avoid excessive UV exposure.

Medications Causing Photosensitivity

Many medication's side effects cause sensitivity to the sun (photosensitivity) as a side effect, which can result in severe sunburns, rashes, and skin damage. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing while taking these medications.

Note this is not a complete list of medications causing photosensitivity; contact your pharmacist if you have questions.

  • Antibiotics: Antibiotics and sun exposure typically don’t mix well. But a few, such as doxycycline and ciprofloxacin, are known for bad reactions.
  • NSAIDs: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like Aleve (naproxen), are commonly used, long-acting pain relievers that cause sensitivity. Naproxen usage can cause you to burn more easily or cause small blisters to appear after sun exposure.
  • Accutane: Many people experience sun sensitivity as a noticeable side effect when taking isotretinoin (Accutane) for their acne. This medication can increase the skin's sensitivity, making it more vulnerable to sunburns.
  • Retin-A: An acne medication called Tretinoin (Retin-A) may cause sun sensitivity as a side effect. Like isotretinoin, the use of tretinoin may result in an increased risk of sunburn.
  • Thiazide Diuretics: Thiazide diuretics, including hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), may cause photosensitivity reactions that can affect your skin differently. These reactions may include increased susceptibility to sunburn or more severe sunburns, eczema-like rashes, and dark patches that may appear after sun exposure.
  • Diabetes Medications: Some diabetes medications, such as Sulfonylureas (glyburide and glipizide), can cause small, blister-like patches to appear after sun exposure. These can last for weeks to months after stopping the medications. Metformin and sitagliptin (Januvia) can also cause sun sensitivity. Though only a few people have reported that side effect, it's advisable to use caution when taking these medications.
  • Tricyclic Antidepressants: Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), such as amitriptyline, have been available for several decades and are known to cause photosensitivity.
  • Older Antihistamines: Antihistamines can also cause sun sensitivity. This side effect has been documented with newer antihistamines, like loratadine (Claritin). But certain older antihistamines, like promethazine, seem more likely to cause it.
  • Methotrexate: Methotrexate is a medication that can be prescribed to treat various autoimmune disorders and cancers. However, it may increase your susceptibility to sunburn, similar to other medications.
  • Amiodarone: Amiodarone (Pacerone) is a medication that treats abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias). It’s well-known for causing sun sensitivity.

    • Home Remedies and Natural Cures for Sunburns

    Here are several easy home remedies to relieve sunburn discomfort.

    Cool Baths or Showers

    Much of the discomfort associated with sunburn is the hot, burning skin. Your skin radiates heat when your skin has been severely sunburned. The most straightforward home remedy is applying cool water to the skin by lying in a cool bath, taking a cool shower, or applying cool compresses to the burnt areas.

    Aloe

    Use the gel from an aloe plant or commercially available aloe vera lotions on affected areas of the skin as a home remedy. You can place the cream in the refrigerator before applying it for soothing relief. Aloe helps with the burning and pain associated with sunburns.

    Ice

    Placing ice cubes and ice compresses on the affected areas is an effective home remedy. Do not apply the ice directly to the burned areas. Place the ice in a sandwich or storage bag, seal it and wrap the bag in a towel, and place it on the skin. The ice soothes just like cool water, relieving pain and burning.

    Increase Fluids

    Sunburn increases fluid loss from the skin, so drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Increased hydration helps with skin healing and recovery.

    Calamine Lotion

    Just as it is used as a home remedy for bug bites, it can treat the itching associated with sunburns. Apply liberally to the skin if and when itching occurs.

    Moisturizers

    Apply a gentle moisturizer to the affected area. Look for fragrance-free products with soothing ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile. Moisturizers help stop the skin from becoming dry and peeling when sunburned. Do not apply moisturizers to blisters until they have broken and dried up.

    Oatmeal

    There are many available oatmeal products on the market you can add to a tub of water and soak in.

    OTC pain relievers

    Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen, found in Advil or Motrin, can help reduce sunburn pain, inflammation, and swelling. Follow the instructions on the packaging and consult a healthcare professional if needed when using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

    Vinegar

    When the redness has subsided, mix 50/50 water and vinegar on a washcloth and gently apply them to the affected areas. This mild acid solution will help to remove dry, damaged, flaky skin and allow new skin to surface. Apply as needed until new skin appears.

    Prevention is Key

    Unfortunately, you must ride the healing process out once your skin is burned. Protect your sunburned skin from further sun exposure until it has healed completely. Stay in the shade, wear loose, protective clothing, and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF when you have to be outside.

    If your sunburn is severe, covers a large area of your body, or is accompanied by severe pain, blistering, fever, or other concerning symptoms, seek medical attention for appropriate evaluation and treatment.