Prescriptions

How to Get Rid of Sunburn Redness Overnight? 5 Best Solutions

Khang T. Vuong, MHA
Khang T. Vuong, MHA15 Sep 2023
Reviewed and Fact Checked ✔️

Sunburn can be painful and detrimental to the skin, and various remedies can offer relief and aid recovery. Aloe Vera is a natural solution that provides a cooling sensation and promotes skin healing. Cool water serves as an immediate soothing agent, while over-the-counter creams, enriched with ingredients like aloe vera and hydrocortisone, assist in alleviating sunburn discomfort. It's also essential to remain hydrated, with water, sports drinks, and coconut water being recommended choices. Non-prescription pain relievers can minimize discomfort, but caution is required due to potential side effects. Lastly, proper rest is an often-underestimated component that supports the body's natural recovery process.

RemedyDescriptionConsiderations/Warnings
Aloe VeraNatural plant with cooling and healing propertiesPotential allergic reactions; test on a small skin patch first
Cool WaterSoothes sunburn by reducing inflammationAvoid ice-cold water to prevent skin damage
Over-the-counter CreamsContain ingredients like hydrocortisone that help soothe sunburnsPotential side effects include skin irritation; always follow package instructions
HydrationReplenishing fluids with water, sports drinks, and coconut waterAvoid caffeine and alcohol; be alert to dehydration symptoms
Non-prescription Pain RelieversAlleviate sunburn discomfort with NSAIDs like ibuprofenRisks include gastrointestinal problems and kidney damage; follow instructions
RestA good night's sleep boosts the immune system and aids recoveryEnsure a comfortable resting environment; aim for 7-9 hours of sleep

First, Let's Understand Why We Get Sunburn

Sunburn is a phenomenon empirically impactful on our daily lives, often experienced but seldom understood by the masses. The biological explanation behind sunburn is simple yet noteworthy; it is primarily caused by the skin's reaction to Ultraviolet (UV) radiation damage. NASA underlines that UV radiation alters the structure of the skin cells, stimulating the immune system to react. A rush of blood flows to the damaged area, resulting in redness and heat associated with sunburn. Excessive UV radiation causes the cell's DNA to mutate, leading to abnormal growth or skin cancer (Cleveland Clinic, 2018).

Despite some people's penchant for a sun-kissed tan, multiple studies underscore that non-protected sun exposure can have dire consequences in the long run. The CDC reports that about 34.2% of US adults got a sunburn in the past year, demonstrating the magnitude of the issue at hand (CDC, 2021). Sunburn's detrimental effects extend beyond the immediate skin discomfort; they lay foundations for various skin diseases and possible skin cancer, as evidenced by numerous health studies worldwide.

Can Sunburn Lead To Serious Diseases?

Astonishing statistics showcase the alarmingly high number of skin diseases and skin cancers from recurrent sunburns. Among various skin conditions, melanoma is closely related to sunburn. According to Skin Cancer Foundation (2021), around 90% of non-melanoma skin cancers and 86% of melanomas are clinically associated with exposure to UV radiation from the sun. These numbers indicate an alarming correlation between sunburn and the increased risk of skin diseases, underscoring the urgency to protect against UV radiation.

ConditionStatistics/Notes
Immediate Effects 
Erythema (Redness)- Most common immediate effect of sunburn.
 - Peaks 12-24 hours after exposure.
Pain and Swelling- Typically arises 6 hours post-exposure.
 - Peaks at 48 hours.
Blisters- Indicates severe sunburn.
 - Can develop 6-48 hours after sun exposure.
Long-term Effects 
Premature Aging- Chronic sun exposure is linked to photoaging.
 - Includes wrinkles, loss of skin elasticity, and dark spots.
Actinic Keratosis- Rough, scaly patches on the skin.
 - 10-15% can develop into squamous cell carcinoma.
Cataracts- Chronic sun exposure increases the risk of cataracts.
Skin Cancer- Repeated sunburns, especially during childhood, increase the risk.
 - Types: Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Melanoma.
Immune Suppression- UV exposure can suppress the skin's immune system.

The WHO emphasizes that one in every three cancers diagnosed globally is skin cancer, attributing many instances to excessive sun exposure (World Health Organization, 2020). Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, where estimated 5.4 million cases are diagnosed annually (American Cancer Society, 2021). Given these data, there is an undeniable link between sunburn and the prevalence of skin diseases and skin cancers, necessitating concerted efforts in spreading awareness and protective measures against these potential health hazards.

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Khang T. Vuong, MHA

Khang T. Vuong received his Master of Healthcare Administration from the Milken Institute School of Public Health at the George Washington University. He was named Forbes Healthcare 2021 30 under 30. Vuong spoke at Stanford Medicine X, HIMSS conference, and served as a Fellow at the Bon Secours Health System.

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