Experts warn against sunburn pain relief

Scientists believe they have found the key to relieving the pain of sunburn, but experts warn it could prove dangerous.

Researchers have found that one particular protein, known as CXCL5, is responsible for sending pain signals to the brain when the skin starts to burn. Tests on rats showed that blocking this protein’s effects reduced the pain felt after sunburn.

"Stephen McMahon, professor of physiology at Guy’s Medical School in London, said: “It wasn't known before that this protein was implicated in any kind of pain. If you wanted a cure for sunburn pain, we may have found that.”

But, he added: “Pain plays a protective role. Stopping pain is not necessarily a good thing.”

Dr Darrell Rigel, a dermatologist, warns that: “By the time you see your skin turning pink, it's almost too late - The damage has already happened. The best thing you can do is protect yourself from the sun”.