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 |  | Over-the-Counter Aids: $2-$25 |  | Outpatient Treatment: $50-$200+ |
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Sunburns are caused by over exposure to ultraviolet light, either from the sun or man-made sources like tanning beds, and can affect any part of the body, including the lips and scalp. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention[1] , they usually appear about four hours after exposure, worsen over the next 24-36 hours, and resolve within three to five days. Sunburns can damage skin cell DNA and increase the risk for eventually developing skin cancer and other skin ailments.
Typical costs: | - Over-the-counter aids to treat pain, redness, swelling or other sunburn symptoms typically cost $2-$25. For example, the Ace Reusable Cold Compress costs $2.79. Other remedies, including antihistamine pills such as Benadryl and 1% hydrocortisone cream cost $5-$10. Anti-inflammatory aids such as ibuprofen can cost about $5-$25, depending on the quantity and whether the patient buys a name brand or its generic equivalent.
- Those seeking medical treatment for severe sunburn would do so through an office visit with a primary care physician, which is typically covered by health insurance. For patients covered by health insurance, out-of-pocket costs typically consist of a copay of $10 -$50 or more, or coinsurance of 10-50% or more.
- For patients without health insurance, an office visit typically costs $50-$200 or more. According to the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey[2] , a set of large-scale surveys on the use and cost of health services conducted by the AHRQ, the average price of an office visit for an uninsured patient is $199.
Related articles: Rosacea Treatment, Poison Ivy or Poison Oak Treatment, Acne Treatments, Birthmark Removal, Scar Removal
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What should be included: | - Dermatologist Ronald R. Brancaccio[3] , spokesman for the American Academy of Dermatology[4] , advises patients to consult a physician if home care doesn't help, or the burns occupy a large area of the body and are beginning to blister, which can lead to secondary infections. Additionally, the Mayo Clinic recommends[5] consulting a doctor if a sunburn is accompanied by fever, headache, confusion, fatigue or severe pain, or any signs of infection.
- According to the Mayo Clinic, a doctor will likely conduct a physical exam to note the extent of the burn and any blistering, and ask for details about symptoms and sunburn history. Since a doctor can recognize a sunburn on sight, no testing will be required.
Additional costs: | - The doctor may prescribe a corticosteroid like Prednisone[6] , which is typically covered by insurance and can cost from just a few dollars to about $25, and/or a topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug like diclofenac[7] (up to $100, depending on dosage, without insurance; about $15 with insurance, depending on dosage and plan) to curb swelling, pain, and itching. An oral antibiotic may also be necessary if a bacterial infection has developed.
- Additional over-the-counter products such as moisturizing creams can cost $1.49- $24. For example, the dermatologist-recommended and fragrance-free Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion[8] costs about $11.
Discounts: | - The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services[9] suggests patients ask for a free sample or trial prescription of a drug, or ask doctors whether a less expensive over-the-counter drug may be sufficient to treat the condition.
- Outlets such as Costco[10] and Walmart[11] often sell prescription and over-the-counter drugs at significant savings. Walmart, for example, has a prescription drug program[12] that includes certain generic drugs at commonly prescribed dosages.
Shopping for sunburn treatment: | - To prevent sunburns, experts recommend[13] limiting sun exposure and using a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. The Mayo Clinic has tips for selecting sunscreen[14] .
- Ten states have tools on their websites that allow consumers to compare the costs of drugs in nearly all pharmacies within their states.
- When buying drugs online, make sure the website carries a Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Site[15] seal from the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy. If the web site is Canadian, make sure the site is certified by the Canadian International Pharmacy Association[16] .
- Before a doctor's visit for severe sunburn, the Mayo Clinic recommends[17] that patients list any medications, herbs or vitamins they're taking as some may heighten sensitivity to UV radiation.
- The American Academy of Dermatology has a search tool[18] to help patients search for dermatologists nearby for free.
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Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
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External Resources: | - www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/uvradiation/
- meps.ahrq.gov/mepsweb/data_files/publications/st318/stat318.shtml
- www.med.nyu.edu/biosketch/brancr01
- www.aad.org/
- www.mayoclinic.com/health/sunburn/DS00964
- www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0000091/
- www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0000882/
- www.cvs.com/shop/product-detail/Cetaphil-Moisturizing-Lotion?skuId=305441
- www4.egov.nh.gov/Medicine-Cabinet/?EXTKEY=I060OSOH
- www.costco.com/
- www.walmart.com/cp/pharmacy/5431
- www.walmart.com/cp/1078664
- www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/tc/sunburn-prevention
- www.mayoclinic.com/health/best-sunscreen/MY01350
- www.nabp.net/programs/accreditation/vipps/find-a-vipps-online-pharmacy/
- www.cipa.com/
- www.mayoclinic.com/health/sunburn/DS00964/DSECTION=preparing-for-your-appointment
- www.aad.org/for-the-public/home
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