How should I advise patients on the use of topical treatments for sunburn, including the role of moisturizers and corticosteroids?

Advice on topical treatments for sunburn:

• Moisturizers (emollients): Advise patients to use emollients to help manage dry, damaged skin caused by sunburn. Emollients should be applied liberally and frequently to soothe and hydrate the skin. Choose unperfumed, gentle moisturizers to avoid irritation. Emollients can be used on the whole affected area and should be applied by smoothing rather than rubbing into the skin to avoid further damage. This approach is consistent with general principles for managing dry skin conditions such as eczema, where emollients are the basis of treatment and should be used even when the skin appears clear ¹.
• Topical corticosteroids: Use of topical corticosteroids for sunburn is not routinely recommended but may be considered for short-term relief of inflammation and discomfort if the sunburn is severe and inflammatory. If used, select a mild potency corticosteroid and apply only to areas of active inflammation. Avoid prolonged or continuous use to prevent side effects such as skin atrophy. Corticosteroids should be used cautiously, especially on sensitive skin areas, and only for short periods (generally no longer than 7 to 14 days) ¹,².
• General cautions: Patients should be advised not to use very potent corticosteroids on damaged or sensitive skin without specialist advice. Emollients should be used as the primary treatment to maintain skin hydration and barrier function. Avoid using multiple topical products simultaneously without appropriate intervals between applications to reduce irritation risk ¹,².