HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes Pain In Legs After Sun Burn?

default
Posted on Wed, 23 Jul 2014
Question: Hi there I have bad sunburn on my legs and am unable to walk due to the excruciating pain. I am taking inubrofen and putting aloe vera on the burn. It is not burning as much as it was and is starting to peel now. Yesterday I lay with my legs elevated and today I am doing the same as I still cannot walk. Could you tell me if there is anything else I can do and how long this will last as I am on holidays. Thanks
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (22 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Start treatment

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

I am Dr. Kakkar. I have gone through your query and I have understood it.

Acute sunburn can be very painful and discomforting. The period of recovery depends on the extent of injury. However I were your treating doctor I would start a short course of an oral steroids for faster recovery. Oral steroids are rapidly acting and immediately bring down the swelling and discomfort.

In addition to that you could use topical moderately potent topical steroid e.g fluticasone propionate cream, twice daily for a week.

An OTC pain killer/anti-inflammatory e.g ibuprofen or aspirin can be taken twice or thrice daily to relieve the pain and discomfort.

Always use a broad spectrum sunscreen, throughout the day.

regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (18 minutes later)
Thank you doctor. I have attached a picture and the sunburn is peeling now. I am unsble to make it to a doctor. Do you think that i need to call a doctor to come to me. Thanks
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (12 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Sunburn

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

Thanks for the Image. I can see that there is diffuse redness and some peeling just below the knee.

A sunburn can take up to a week to heal completely. Like I said, steroid preparation will fasten the recovery. You can call a doctor and discuss about it. However there are some topical steroid preparation that are available over the counter and can speed up the recovery process (A lot of topical steroid preparations are available OTC, either as a plain steroid cream OR in combination with topical antibiotics. You need to visit a drug store and ask for a moderately potent topical steroid e.g Fluticasone propionate. If you can get it as a plain steroid cream, it would be fine OR else if you get it in combination with an antibiotic like neosporin, it would also suffice in your case). Use it twice daily.

Of course, if it is causing much discomfort, then oral steroid would provide the fastest relief. For that you need to call a doctor Or visit a doctor.

Continue with Ibuprofen.

Regards
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Kakkar

Dermatologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 9612 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes Pain In Legs After Sun Burn?

Brief Answer: Start treatment Detailed Answer: Hello, I am Dr. Kakkar. I have gone through your query and I have understood it. Acute sunburn can be very painful and discomforting. The period of recovery depends on the extent of injury. However I were your treating doctor I would start a short course of an oral steroids for faster recovery. Oral steroids are rapidly acting and immediately bring down the swelling and discomfort. In addition to that you could use topical moderately potent topical steroid e.g fluticasone propionate cream, twice daily for a week. An OTC pain killer/anti-inflammatory e.g ibuprofen or aspirin can be taken twice or thrice daily to relieve the pain and discomfort. Always use a broad spectrum sunscreen, throughout the day. regards