Can you take ibuprofen for sunburn?

In this article:

• Does ibuprofen help with sunburn?
• Other pain medications vs. ibuprofen for sunburn
• Can ibuprofen increase sunburn risk?
• Tips to alleviate sunburn pain fast

In this article

• Does ibuprofen help with sunburn?
• Other pain medications vs. ibuprofen for sunburn
• Can ibuprofen increase sunburn risk?
• Tips to alleviate sunburn pain fast

A sunburn occurs when you’ve had excessive sun exposure, often resulting in discomfort or pain. You can take over-the-counter medications for quick pain relief if you have a sunburn. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) commonly used to relieve pain and reduce redness and swelling from sunburns.

Does ibuprofen help with sunburn?

Sunburns are the most common type of first-degree burn caused by exposure to the sun’s UV rays or UV light from artificial sources like tanning beds. Sunburns are typically treatable with over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen.

Ibuprofen has anti-inflammatory properties. It limits your body’s production of a substance that can cause pain, fever, and inflammation. “When you get sunburned, your skin gets inflamed, which is why it turns red, feels hot, and hurts,” says Taher Saifullah, MD, MS, a pain management specialist and the founder of Spine & Pain Institute Los Angeles. “That’s where ibuprofen comes in handy. It helps reduce that inflammation so that it can take down some of the redness and swelling,” he says. “Plus, if you’re feeling feverish or achy because of a bad burn, ibuprofen can help with that, too.”

According to David Manion, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist at Dermatology Partners, taking ibuprofen within 48 hours after sunburn is best. “Healthcare providers recommend that adults who need relief from sunburn take 400 to 800 milligrams of ibuprofen three to four times a day,” he says. 

Like any medication, ibuprofen may not be safe for everyone. Before taking ibuprofen, speak with your healthcare provider if you:

• Have ever experienced bleeding or ulcers from taking NSAIDs
• Have had a stomach ulcer more than once
• Have a medical condition that increases your risk of bleeding
• Have severe kidney or liver failure
• Are pregnant or trying to become pregnant
• Have high blood pressure
• Have had heart disease, heart failure, or a stroke
• Have asthma, allergies, or hay fever
• Have Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
• Have chickenpox

Other pain medications vs. ibuprofen for sunburn

Ibuprofen is not the only drug used for sunburn treatment. Acetaminophen (Tylenol, Excedrin) is another pain medication that may reduce symptoms from too much sun, but it isn’t as effective as ibuprofen. “Acetaminophen can help with the pain, but it doesn’t do much for the inflammation,” Dr. Saifullah says. “So, while acetaminophen can take the edge off, ibuprofen addresses the underlying inflammation, which is why it’s often preferred for sunburns.”

Aspirin (Ascriptin, Bayer) is another alternative to ibuprofen for sunburns. Some studies have shown that aspirin may delay the onset of redness in a sunburned area. Despite its effectiveness for sunburns, Dr. Saifullah says aspirin isn’t the best option. “Aspirin can be rough on your stomach,” he says. While ibuprofen can also lead to stomach problems, it tends to be safer than aspirin for most people.

In many instances, ibuprofen may be paired with other over-the-counter medications and first aid supplies. “Most of the time, healthcare providers will recommend over-the-counter treatments for sunburn,” Dr. Saifullah says. “Ibuprofen or another NSAID for the pain and swelling, and something soothing like aloe vera or hydrocortisone cream for the skin. If it’s a bad burn with blistering, a healthcare provider might give you something stronger for the pain or even steroids to help with the inflammation.”

Can ibuprofen increase sunburn risk?

There’s a misconception that ibuprofen can increase your sunburn risk. “Ibuprofen doesn’t make your skin more sensitive to the sun,” Dr. Saifullah says. “It’s safe to use for relieving the symptoms of sunburn without worrying that it’ll make things worse.”

Although ibuprofen doesn’t cause harm to your skin, other medications could make sunburn more likely. “Some drugs can make a person more susceptible to sunburn or make sunburns more severe,” Dr. Manion says. “These drugs include antibiotics, high blood pressure pills, heart medications, and some other NSAIDs.”

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), certain drugs contain ingredients that may cause photosensitivity, a chemical-induced change in the skin. Photosensitivity can make the skin sensitive to sunlight and may cause sunburn-like symptoms or other unpleasant side effects. 

“If you’re on any new medications, it’s always a good idea to check if they increase sun sensitivity and take extra precautions when you’re out in the sun,” Dr. Saifullah says.

Tips to alleviate sunburn pain fast

If you have a sunburn, here are a few methods you can use in addition to taking ibuprofen to relieve pain quickly, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD):

• Cool your skin: Cool the affected area with water or cold compresses. “A cool bath can help take the heat out of your skin,” Dr. Saifullah says. Just make sure the water is not too cold or too hot. You can also use cool compresses on the burn.”
• Moisturize your skin: Dr. Saifullah recommends using moisturizers with aloe vera on sunburn. “This helps soothe your skin and keeps it from drying out too much,” he says. “Stay away from oily lotions or anything with alcohol, as they can make things worse.”
• Be gentle with peeling skin: As your sunburn heals, your skin will peel. Avoid picking at the damaged skin and continue reapplying moisturizing creams when necessary. 
• Take an anti-itch drug: Sunburns can be very itchy. An oral histamine, such as Benadryl or Claritin, can help relieve itchiness from peeling skin. 
• Drink plenty of water: Sunburns can dehydrate you, so drink extra water to replenish your body. “Staying hydrated helps your body heal faster and can make a big difference in how you feel overall,” Dr. Saifullah says.

In some cases, at-home remedies in combination with ibuprofen aren’t enough to treat mild to severe sunburns. “More serious sunburn accompanied by blistering of the skin or pain not alleviated by ibuprofen require treatment by a healthcare provider,” Dr. Manion says. “They can prescribe topical or oral antibiotics and steroids.” 

If you’re experiencing the following symptoms of severe sunburn, please seek immediate medical attention:

• A fever of over 103 F alongside vomiting
• Confusion
• Dehydration
• Infection
• Cold skin
• Dizziness 

“Sunburns might seem like just a temporary discomfort, but they can cause long-term damage to your skin,” Dr. Saifullah says. “Sun safety is key—sunscreen, protective clothing, and avoiding the sun during peak hours can save you a lot of pain and trouble from sun damage. But if you do get burned, ibuprofen can be a big help in managing the symptoms. Just remember, taking care of your skin now will help keep it healthy down the road.”

Because sunburns can accelerate premature skin aging and increase your risk of skin cancers like melanoma, it’s best to take preventive measures to protect your skin from UV rays anytime you’re outside or using artificial UV light.