How Sunburn Medications Work

Sunburn medications aim to alleviate the symptoms of sunburn, which can be uncomfortable and painful. The gold standard for treating sunburn is topical corticosteroids.

• Topical Corticosteroids: These medications work by reducing inflammation and swelling in the affected area. They do this by suppressing the production of inflammatory chemicals in the skin, such as histamine and bradykinin.

Alternatives to topical corticosteroids include systemic corticosteroids, antihistamines, and pain relief medications. These may be used in more severe cases or for patients who cannot tolerate topical corticosteroids.

• Systemic Corticosteroids: These medications are taken orally and work systemically to reduce inflammation throughout the body.

• Antihistamines: These medications can help alleviate itching and burning sensations associated with sunburn.

• Pain Relief Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help manage pain and discomfort caused by sunburn.