Sunburn

Sunburn is skin damage from exposure to ultraviolet radiation, either from the sun or artificial sources. Sunburn varies in severity and can take days to weeks to heal.

Quick Answer

What it is

Sunburn is skin damage from exposure to ultraviolet radiation, either from the sun or artificial sources. Sunburn varies in severity and can take days to weeks to heal.

Key findings

No graded findings are available yet.

Safety

No specific caution or interaction language was detected in the current summary/outcome notes.

ℹ️ Quick Facts

Quick Facts: Sunburn

  • Supplements Studied:0
0 supps · 0 outcomes

Evidence-Based Protocol

Supplement stack ranked by research quality

Limited Evidence

Primary Stack (Tier 1)

Apply pure aloe vera gel to affected areas 3-4 times daily

Soothes skin; anti-inflammatory; promotes healing

8 studies | 400 participants
1000-2000mg daily during recovery

Antioxidant; supports skin repair and collagen synthesis

6 studies | 300 participants

Supporting Stack (Tier 2)

400 IU oral daily + topical vitamin E oil

Antioxidant; may help with skin repair and reduce peeling

5 studies | 200 participants
2-3g EPA+DHA daily

Anti-inflammatory; supports skin barrier repair

4 studies | 150 participants
15-30mg daily

Supports skin healing and repair

4 studies | 150 participants

How It Works

Sunburn is skin damage from ultraviolet (UV) radiation, typically from sun exposure. The skin becomes red, painful, and may blister in severe cases.

DEGREES OF SUNBURN:

Mild: Redness, tenderness
Moderate: Bright red, painful, swelling
Severe: Blistering, intense pain, possible systemic symptoms

SYMPTOMS:

Red, warm, painful skin
Swelling
Blistering (severe)
Peeling (after several days)
Fever, chills, nausea (severe/extensive)

IMMEDIATE CARE:

Get out of sun immediately
Cool compresses or cool bath (not ice)
Drink plenty of water
Apply aloe vera or moisturizer
Take NSAIDs for pain/inflammation
Avoid further sun exposure until healed

WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR:

Severe blistering over large area
Fever, chills, confusion
Signs of dehydration
Infection signs (increasing redness, pus, red streaks)
Severe pain not controlled by OTC medications

PREVENTION IS KEY:

Sunscreen SPF 30+, reapply every 2 hours
Seek shade, especially 10am-4pm
Wear protective clothing, hat, sunglasses
Avoid tanning beds

* Aloe vera soothes and promotes healing.

* Antioxidants (vitamins C, E) support skin repair.

* Stay hydrated during recovery.

Expected timeline: Mild sunburn heals in 3-5 days. Moderate to severe takes 1-2 weeks. Peeling is normal during healing.

Generated from peer-reviewed researchSchema v2.0