• Skin Care

Effective Ways to Get Rid of a Sunburn Fast

Medically reviewed and edited by Leah May APRN, FNP-C

Whether you’re lounging on the beach or simply catching some sun outside, too much UV exposure can quickly turn into unexpected discomfort if you develop a burn.

Beyond the unwanted redness and pain, sunburns can also have lasting effects on your health if they aren’t treated promptly. 

In this article, we’ll explore the most effective ways to treat sunburn to help you avoid potential complications and care for your health. 

How Does a Sunburn Affect Your Skin?

A sunburn occurs when the skin is overexposed to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This damages the outer layers of the skin, leading to dead cells and inflammation. 

If you’ve developed a sunburn, your skin will most likely appear red due to damaged blood vessels. You may also experience pain, depending on the location and the severity of the burn.

Although sunburns will heal, you should try to avoid getting them altogether..

Frequent sunburns significantly increases your risk of long-term skin damage — such as sun spots and scars — and cancer. 

Severe vs. mild sunburns 

The severity of a sunburn can vary, depending on the duration of exposure, the intensity of the sunlight, and your skin type. 

It’s important to distinguish between mild and severe sunburns to determine when you might need medical treatment. Look out for the following:

What Should You Do Immediately After Getting a Sunburn?

When you realize you’ve been sunburnt, taking immediate action can significantly reduce your discomfort and help your skin heal more effectively.

You should do the following immediately:

• Get out of the sun: The first and most important step is to stop further UV exposure. Move indoors or to a shady spot as soon as you notice any redness or feel a tingling sensation on your skin.

• Cool the skin: Apply cold compresses to the sunburned areas or take a cool bath to help reduce the heat. This soothes the skin and decreases inflammation. Avoid using ice directly on the sunburn as it can further damage the skin by causing the blood vessels to constrict excessively. Rather opt for cool water and a clean cloth.

• Moisturize the skin: After cooling your skin, apply a moisturizing cream or gel. Products containing aloe vera work well thanks to their soothing effect. Avoid creams that contain ingredients like petroleum, benzocaine, or lidocaine, as these may lead to irritated skin or an allergic reaction.

• Hydrate: Sunburn can cause fluid loss through the skin due to extreme heat. Drink plenty of water to help prevent dehydration that can occur as sunburn draws fluid from the body.

Remember that even a minor sunburn can cause long-term damage, so always take proper care of your skin after UV exposure. 

By following these steps, you can promote healing and reduce the risk of further skin damage. 

What are the Best Ways to Get Rid of a Sunburn Quickly?

In most cases, a sunburn can be treated using home remedies and over-the-counter (OTC) medications.

These can speed up your healing and relieve uncomfortable symptoms.

Home remedies

For most mild sunburns, home remedies are sufficient. Popular treatments include:

• Aloe vera: Known for its soothing properties, aloe vera gel can be applied directly to the sunburned area to reduce inflammation and cool the skin.

• Cool compresses: Applying cool, damp cloths to the sunburn can help draw out heat to reduce swelling and redness.

• Oatmeal bath: Adding finely milled oatmeal to a cool bath can soothe irritation and help the skin stay moisturized to prevent peeling or scabbing.

• Baking soda and cornstarch: Adding baking soda or cornstarch to your bathwater can relieve pain and help manage inflammation.

• Cucumbers: Place chilled cucumber slices on sunburned skin for a soothing effect and a dose of antioxidants.

Over-the-counter medications

If your case is more severe or if home remedies don’t provide sufficient sunburn relief, you may use OTC treatment options alongside them. These may include:

• Hydrocortisone cream: A 1% hydrocortisone cream can alleviate pain and swelling. It's especially effective when used early in the treatment process.

• NSAIDs: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) — like ibuprofen or aspirin — can reduce inflammation and relieve pain when taken shortly after sun exposure.

• Moisturizers: After cooling the skin, use a moisturizer that contains ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or glycerin to help trap moisture and repair the skin barrier. This can help to reduce the risk of long-term damage. 

Lifestyle adjustments 

In addition to using home remedies and OTC products to alleviate discomfort, making lifestyle changes can also help you protect your skin. These could include:

• Drinking plenty of water to avoid dehydration

• Avoiding further sun exposure while your skin is healing 

• Wearing loose, soft clothing that won’t irritate your skin

Factors That May Affect How Quickly Your Sunburn Heals

A sunburn won’t always heal quickly, especially if it’s severe. In fact, severe sunburns can take up to two weeks to heal completely.

Aside from the severity of the burn, there are a number of other factors that influence how fast you heal. These include:

• Suffering from certain health conditions, such as diabetes, obesity, and arterial disease

• Malnutrition or nutritional deficiencies 

• Smoking and tobacco use 

• Poor circulation 

• Using immunosuppression medication

• Chronic stress

These conditions affect the body’s immune system and ability to heal – which is why it takes longer for a sunburn to get better.

Other factors that may increase your risk of getting a severe sunburn that could take a long time to heal include:

• Age

• Poor skin care

• Excessive alcohol consumption

• Using medications or supplements such as diuretics, retinoids, and St. John’s wort

• Not using sun protection, even on cloudy or rainy days 

These factors make the skin more sensitive to sun exposure, which increases the risks of burns. 

Reducing the Risk of Sunburns 

There are a number of things you can do to avoid getting too much sun or reduce your risk of burning if you have to venture outside.

One of the most effective strategies is to check the UV index for your area before heading out. 

This index shows how strong the sun’s rays are — the higher the rating, the harsher they will be and the more likely you are to develop a sunburn.

If the index is above three, it’s recommended to double down on sun protection to guard against sunburns. Proper sun protection includes:

• Using an SPF of at least 30 on any exposed areas of the skin, including your face, neck, ears, hands, and feet

• Wearing a wide-brimmed hat that covers your ears 

• Wearing sunglasses 

• Wearing long-sleeved, lightweight, sun-protective clothing 

You can check the UV index on your phone’s weather app or platforms like SunSmart Global UV.

When Should You See a Doctor About Sunburns?

If your sunburn is mild, it will likely heal on its own and won’t require medical intervention.

However, you may need to visit your doctor if you:

• Develop blisters on your sunburn or if it becomes swollen

• Develop a fever, chills, or feel excessively hot

• Feel nauseous or start vomiting 

• Are severely dehydrated 

• Feel dizzy, sick, or tired

• Have a headache

• Develop muscle cramps 

These symptoms indicate a more severe sunburn that puts you at risk of developing additional complications. It’s essential to seek medical care as soon as possible. 

Where Can You Learn More About Taking Care of Your Skin?

If you are concerned about your sunburn or any accompanying symptoms you may be experiencing, LifeMD can help.

A team of licensed professionals can perform an online evaluation, prescribe medication, and recommend preventative strategies to address any concerns.

Make an appointment with LifeMD today to learn more about taking care of your skin health — all from the comfort of your home. 

Leah May APRN, FNP-C

Leah is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner specializing in Primary Care, Pediatrics, Men’s Health, and Obesity Medicine. She has been practicing in Telemedicine for over five years and is passionate about being able to deliver healthcare across the nation. During her downtime, her favorite things to do are spending time with her family trying new things, exploring new foods and places, and staying active.

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