How To Treat A Sunburn
Summer is here… and sunburns are inevitable. Right?
Hopefully not. The best way to treat a sunburn is to avoid one in the first place. We discuss many ways to do just that in a previous post.
But what to do when… for whatever reason… you get burned?
There are numerous suggestions on-line, including yogurt, alcohol, asprin in alcohol, aloe, honey, sour cream, and diaper cream. What to choose!?! The compound that has been studied the most is Indomethacin. This is a prescription NSAID (a type of pain medication).
If you get a sunburn, we suggest that you call your physician and ask them if the following regimen is safe for you:
Step 1 . Take Ibuprofen immediately and then every four hours.
Step 2. Open one 50mg capsule of indomethacin (cost about $0.20 per capsule at drugstore.com). Indomethacin is a prescription. It is the most studied, and the best choice. However, if you are unable to access this medication you can substitute ibuprofen (Advil) 600 mg.
Step 3. Grind the above pill to a powder
Step 4. Mix powder with one 30 gram tube of over the counter Hydrocortisone 1% ointment or cream with Aloe
Step 5. This mixture can be applied to the skin several times per day as needed. For additional soothing relief, keep the cream in the refrigerator and apply it cool.
<h5> <em> NOTE: This is only useful for mild sunburns in an otherwise healthy adult. Anyone with a significant sunburn should seek prompt medical attention. Any child with a sunburn must be seen by their pediatrician. The above recommendations may not be appropriate for children or some adults. Before using any topical or oral medication, please speak with your physician. </em> </h5>
