What happens if you put hydrocortisone on a sunburn?

October 7, 2025 •

4 min read

Over one-third of the U.S. population experiences a sunburn annually, leading many to seek relief from common medicines. When considering what happens if you put hydrocortisone on a sunburn, it is crucial to understand that while it can soothe mild inflammation and itching, its use on more severe, blistering burns can be dangerous.

Quick Summary

Hydrocortisone cream can reduce swelling, redness, and itching for mild sunburns. However, it should never be applied to broken, peeling, or blistered skin due to increased risks of infection, delayed healing, and potential systemic absorption. Safer alternatives like aloe vera or cool compresses are often recommended.

Key Points

Use Only on Mild Burns: A low-strength over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream can help reduce the pain, redness, and itching associated with mild to moderate sunburns.
Never Apply to Broken Skin: Avoid using hydrocortisone on sunburns with blisters, peeling, or open sores, as this can increase infection risk and absorption.
Consider Safer Alternatives: For most sunburns, topical aloe vera gel and cool compresses are safer and very effective for soothing the skin.
Be Mindful of Application Timing: The cream may be most effective when applied shortly after sun exposure, with reduced benefits if applied much later.
Promote Healing from Within: Stay well-hydrated by drinking extra water and take an oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) like ibuprofen for pain and inflammation relief.
Know When to See a Doctor: Seek medical attention for severe blistering, signs of infection, or accompanying flu-like symptoms like fever, chills, or dizziness.

The Science Behind Sunburn

A sunburn is a painful, inflammatory reaction caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. When UV rays damage the skin's cells, the body triggers an immune response to eliminate the damaged cells, which results in the classic symptoms of redness, swelling, and pain. In severe cases, this cellular damage can lead to blistering and peeling, indicating a second-degree burn.

How Hydrocortisone Works on Sunburn

Hydrocortisone is a low-potency topical corticosteroid, which means it acts as an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant when applied to the skin. For mild to moderate sunburns that don't involve blistering or broken skin, a low-strength hydrocortisone cream can help.

Reduces Inflammation: By suppressing the immune response, hydrocortisone can calm the redness and swelling associated with the body's reaction to UV damage.
Eases Itching: For the intense itching that can accompany a healing sunburn, sometimes referred to as 'hell's itch,' hydrocortisone can provide relief.

For it to be effective, however, it should be applied soon after sun exposure. Some studies suggest that when applied several hours after the burn, the clinical benefit may be negligible.

Critical Risks: Why You Should Avoid Hydrocortisone on Severe Sunburns

While hydrocortisone has its uses, it is crucial to know when to avoid it. Using this topical steroid on certain types of sunburn can be counterproductive and even dangerous. The most critical rule is to never apply hydrocortisone to blistered, peeling, or broken skin.

Reasons to avoid it on damaged skin include:

Increased Absorption: A compromised skin barrier, like that created by broken blisters or peeling skin, significantly increases the amount of medication absorbed into your bloodstream. This can lead to systemic side effects that are not typically seen with proper topical use.
Risk of Infection: Topical steroids can mask or worsen a skin infection. Damaged skin is already susceptible to bacterial entry, and the immunosuppressive effect of hydrocortisone could hinder the body's ability to fight off a developing infection.
Delayed Healing: Using hydrocortisone on compromised skin can interfere with the natural healing process. The body needs to be able to regenerate and repair the damaged cells, a process that strong anti-inflammatory medications can impede.
Skin Thinning: With repeated or prolonged use, especially on thin-skinned areas like the face, hydrocortisone can cause skin atrophy, or thinning. This can leave the skin more delicate and vulnerable in the future.

Comparison Table: Hydrocortisone vs. Alternative Treatments


Feature	Hydrocortisone (OTC)	Aloe Vera Gel	Cool Compresses	NSAIDs (Ibuprofen)
Best for...	Mild to moderate burns to reduce pain and itching.	All types of mild to moderate sunburns; has cooling, soothing properties.	Immediate, temporary relief from heat and pain.	Reducing pain, swelling, and inflammation from the inside out.
Avoid if...	Blistered, peeling, or broken skin is present.	You have a known allergy. Some products contain other irritants.	No contraindications; just ensure water isn't too cold.	You have a pre-existing health condition or are taking other medications; consult a doctor.
Mechanism	Suppresses inflammation by acting on the immune response.	Soothes and moisturizes; contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.	Constricts blood vessels, reducing blood flow and heat.	Blocks pain signals and reduces inflammation systemically.
Effect on Healing	Can delay if used on broken skin.	May speed up the healing process.	Helps comfort, but doesn't have direct healing properties.	Reduces inflammation, indirectly aiding comfort during healing.

Safe and Effective Sunburn Management

For proper sunburn care, follow these steps to promote healing and reduce discomfort:

Get Out of the Sun: The first and most important step is to remove yourself from direct sunlight to prevent further damage.
Cool the Skin: Take a cool bath or shower to reduce the heat and pain. You can also apply cool, damp compresses to the affected areas for 10-15 minutes, several times a day.
Moisturize and Soothe: Apply a gentle moisturizer containing aloe vera or soy to soothe the skin. For mild, non-blistered areas, a thin layer of low-strength hydrocortisone cream can be used to manage itching and swelling for a few days.
Stay Hydrated: Sunburn draws fluid to the skin's surface, increasing the risk of dehydration. Drink extra water to help your body rehydrate.
Do Not Pop Blisters: Blisters protect the underlying skin and prevent infection. If a blister breaks on its own, gently clean the area and apply a non-stick dressing with an antibiotic ointment.
Manage Peeling Skin: Allow the peeling skin to come off naturally. Peeling or picking at it can cause further damage and increase the risk of infection. Continue moisturizing the skin during this phase.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While most mild sunburns can be managed at home, you should contact a healthcare provider if you experience:

Severe blistering, especially over a large area.
Signs of infection, such as pus, red streaks, or severe pain.
A high fever, headache, chills, dizziness, or nausea.
Blistering in infants or young children.

Conclusion

For a mild sunburn without blistering or open sores, applying a low-strength hydrocortisone cream for a short period can provide effective relief from pain, swelling, and itching. However, the critical takeaway is to avoid using it on compromised or broken skin, as this can lead to infection and delayed healing. For most sunburns, safer, well-established remedies like aloe vera gel, cool compresses, and anti-inflammatory pain relievers are the recommended course of action. Prioritize sun protection to prevent sunburn altogether, as chronic exposure significantly increases the risk of skin cancer.

For more detailed information on sunburn prevention and treatment, consult reliable sources such as the Mayo Clinic's guide to sunburn.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, it is not safe to use hydrocortisone on all sunburns. It should only be applied to mild to moderate burns without any blisters, peeling, or open sores. Using it on broken skin can increase infection risk and lead to adverse effects.

The main benefit is its anti-inflammatory property, which helps reduce the redness, swelling, and pain associated with a mild sunburn. It can also be effective for relieving severe itching, sometimes called 'hell's itch'.

You should avoid using it on blistered skin because the compromised skin barrier increases the risk of the medication being absorbed systemically. It can also mask signs of infection and delay the natural healing process.

Follow the product instructions or consult with a healthcare professional regarding the appropriate duration of use for hydrocortisone cream on a sunburn. Always consult a doctor if symptoms persist.

Yes, for most sunburns, many people find better relief from cooler, more soothing remedies. These include cool baths or compresses, moisturizers with aloe vera or soy, and oral NSAIDs like ibuprofen for pain and inflammation.

It is generally not recommended to use hydrocortisone on young children's skin unless directed by a doctor, as their skin is thinner and more sensitive. For children under 1 year of age with a sunburn, you should call a doctor immediately.

When used improperly or for too long, hydrocortisone can lead to skin thinning, increased hair growth, and other side effects. If you notice any burning, stinging, or worsening symptoms, stop use and contact a doctor.