Steroids and NSAIDs
According to the findings of one study, the sunburn reaction was significantly less severe on days 4 and 5 following the application of corticosteroids with a moderately high potency twice daily beginning six hours after radiation exposure. It is of the utmost importance to patients that any medication provides meaningful pain relief and anti-inflammatory effects within the first day. When administered promptly and in relatively high dosages (equal to 40 to 60 mg/day of prednisone), systemic steroids can sometimes shorten the course of sunburn and lessen the pain associated with the condition.
Since it is best to wait until the sunburn subsides before going outside again, a dermatologist may also recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs). In addition to topical therapies, oral NSAIDs and cold compresses from tap water can help alleviate symptoms.
Do not use petroleum jelly or other treatments containing petrolatum when treating severe sunburns. When administered early and in relatively high doses, systemic steroids can shorten the duration and minimize sunburn pain, but this treatment comes with risks and requires a doctor’s prescription.
