Sunscreen, protective clothing, and ultraviolet-protected sunglasses are all recommended to prevent excessive sun exposure. For sunburn pain, try acetaminophen, cold compresses, and cool baths. Avoid products that contain benzocaine, and avoid use of Vaseline. If blisters are present, dry bandages may help prevent infection. Sunburn is better prevented than treated.
Effective sunscreens are available in a wide variety of strengths.
Treatment of sunburn is symptomatic , and prevention remains the key to avoiding the painful consequences of overexposure to the sun. For first-degree burns , a prescription corticosteroid lotion may be prescribed. The depth of a burn determines its severity. Very shallow, superficial burns cause only reddening while deeper burns may produce blistering, or destruction through the entire layer of skin down to the subcutaneous tissue. Sunburn can produce severe blistering and toxic symptoms.