Is Tylenol or Advil Better for Sunburns?
A person can use either Advil or Tylenol as over-the-counter pain relievers for sunburns, according to the Mayo Clinic. Advil is an ibuprofen, and Tylenol is an acetaminophen. Although both are pain relievers, Advil has anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce redness and skin swelling associated with sunburns.
If one takes the recommended dosage of ibuprofen within six hours of sun exposure and continues taking it for two days, it can ameliorate the symptoms of a sunburn, according to Banner Health. However, if a person cannot take ibuprofen, then he or she can use acetaminophen.
Other things that a person can do to relieve a sunburn are to apply a cool compress, take a shower with cool water and place aloe vera on the sunburn. Similarly, a hydrocortisone cream can be helpful for pain and swelling.
