New concepts in prevention and treatment of sunburn.

Effective topical sunscreens are available in Australasia, but are some more effective and acceptable than others? For those who demand an early tan and longer protection there still remains some hope that effective topical applications may become available. Acute sunburn must be assessed from a general medical viewpoint. Severe sunburn requires a short "dermatological" course of systemic steroids. Prostaglandins and antiprostaglandins may have a role in the future treatment of sunburn.