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Medical Author:

John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP

John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP

John P. Cunha, DO, is a U.S. board-certified Emergency Medicine Physician. Dr. Cunha's educational background includes a BS in Biology from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, and a DO from the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences in Kansas City, MO. He completed residency training in Emergency Medicine at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark, New Jersey.

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Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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The medical treatment for sunburn is similar to the home remedies. They are all designed to decrease inflammation and pain.

• If the patient's case is mild and not life-threatening, the doctor may suggest plenty of fluids, aspirin, or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs).
• Additional topical measures such as cool compresses, Burow's solution soaks, or high-quality moisturizing creams and lotions may be recommended.
• If the patient's case is severe enough, oral steroid therapy (cortisone-like medications) may be prescribed for several days. Steroid creams placed on the skin show minimal to no benefit for sunburn, but may be helpful for sun rash. Consult a physician.
• Stronger pain-relieving medication may be prescribed in certain cases.
• If the patient has blistering, steroids may be withheld to avoid an increased risk of infection. If the patient is dehydrated or suffering from heat stress, IV fluids will be given, and the person may be admitted to the hospital. People with very severe cases may be transferred to a hospital burn unit.
• Silver sulfadiazine (1% cream, Thermazene) can be used for treatment of sunburn. Do not use on the face.

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