Spending too much time can lead to the inevitable sunburn. As a result, you are likely to end up with redness, swelling, pain, and blisters. While there are a range of home remedies like cool compress or aloe gel to ease the symptoms, OTC medications can soothe pain and itching.
There’s a range of over-the-counter (OTC) medications to get relief from the painful symptoms of sunburn.
In this blog, we will learn about OTC medications for sunburn relief as well as how to choose them.
(DISCLAIMER: This blog is intended for educational purposes only. While OTC can be taken without a prescription, it is best to consult your healthcare provider or doctor before using OTC or any medication for your sunburn relief.)
Hydrocortisone 1% Cream:
For sunburns accompanied by inflammation and itching, hydrocortisone cream can be a great help.
This OTC medication contains a mild corticosteroid that helps reduce swelling and itching. It’s important to follow the instructions and avoid using hydrocortisone on large areas of the body or for an extended period, as prolonged use can lead to side effects. For short-term relief, however, it can be highly effective.
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs):
Non prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen or naproxen, offer pain relief and diminish inflammation linked to sunburn. Common NSAIDs comprise aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen.
These medications function by inhibiting the production of specific chemicals in the body responsible for pain and swelling. Adhering to the suggested dosage is essential, and individuals with underlying health conditions or those taking other medications should seek advice from a healthcare professional, as NSAIDs may interact with certain drugs.
Oral Antihistamine:
To alleviate itching during the peeling and healing phase of sunburn, an oral antihistamine like diphenhydramine (found in Benadryl, Chlor-Trimeton, and others) can provide effective relief.
Antihistamines help stop itching and discomfort by blocking histamine, a chemical released during allergies. It’s important to take the right amount and talk to a healthcare professional, especially if you’re on other medications or have health issues.
Incorporating this oral antihistamine into your sunburn relief regimen can contribute to a more comfortable healing process for your skin.
Do You Still Need to Consult a Doctor for OTC Medicine for Sunburn Relief Treatment?
Using OTC medicines is fine for most small health issues.
If you’re not sure, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. They can help you know if an over-the-counter medicine is right for your existing health condition. Checking with them ensures you’re using the correct medicine for what you need, keeping you healthy and safe.
Always follow their advice and read the labels carefully.
Precautions While Taking OTC Medicines for Sunburn Relief Treatment
See If It Can Interact with Your Existing Medication:
If you are already taking medication for any health condition, make sure to consult your healthcare provider if OTC can interact with your existing medication.
Understanding When to Use OTC Medicines:
OTC medicines are suitable for most minor health problems, but if you are not sure, consulting a healthcare provider or pharmacist is key. They can tell you if the OTC medicine is suitable for sunburn or any other condition you have, potential interactions with other medications, and any side effects to watch out for.
Read the Label:
Check the medicine label for the following things:
Active Ingredient:
Identifies the medicine and its dosage per dose.
Uses:
Lists the conditions and symptoms the medicine can treat. It’s crucial not to use the medicine for any unlisted conditions unless advised by a healthcare provider.
Warnings:
Alerts users about precautions, interactions, and potential side effects. This section provides information on when to consult a healthcare provider before taking the medicine.
Directions:
This section tells how much medicine to take, how often, and the safe dosage, categorized by age group. It’s important to read and understand these instructions.
Other Information:
Includes storage guidelines and additional details about the medicine.
Inactive Ingredients:
Though inactive, it’s crucial to be aware of these ingredients to ensure there are no unexpected reactions.
Expiration Date:
Indicates when the medicine expires. It’s crucial to dispose of the medicine after this date to maintain safety and efficacy.
Additional Safety Measures:
Package Examination
Thoroughly examine the package before purchasing it to ensure it hasn’t been tampered with.
Suspicious Medicines
Never use medicines that appear different from expectations or come in suspicious packaging. Return such products to the point of purchase.
Visibility:
Take medicine in well-lit conditions with clear visibility to avoid errors.
The Bottom Line:
OTC medicines can help you relieve sunburn symptoms like pain, swelling, and itching. Although they can be taken without prescription, it is important to consider some factors such as their interaction with your existing medication and not being sure how to take them. But why take a chance with your sunburn protection? Follow precautions like wearing sunblock and seeking shades to avoid sunburn so that you don’t have to take any OTC medication for sunburn relief. And we have something special to reverse your sunburn signs—Sunburn Drink. Enriched with antioxidants and skin-friendly vitamins, this beverage helps reduce oxidative stress, enhancing moisture and hydration, fostering cell regeneration, and optimizing natural cell function.