Burn from the sun

Sunburn is better prevented than treated. Effective sunscreens are available in a wide variety of strengths. Most doctors recommend a sunscreen SPF level of 30 or greater.

Sunscreen should be generously applied. If out in the sun for a prolonged period of time during the day, wearing a hat and other protective clothing is recommended. Light clothing reflects the sun most effectively.

If you do get a sunburn:

• Try taking a cool shower or bath or placing wet, cold wash rags on the burn.
• Avoid products that contain benzocaine, lidocaine, or petroleum (like Vaseline).
• If blisters are present, dry bandages may help prevent infection.
• If your skin is not blistering, moisturizing cream may be applied to relieve discomfort.
• Over the counter medications, like ibuprofen, may help to relieve pain from sunburn. DO NOT give aspirin to children.

Call a health care provider immediately if you have a fever with sunburn or if there are signs of shock, heat exhaustion, dehydration, or other serious reaction. These signs include:

• Feeling faint or dizzy
• Rapid pulse or rapid breathing
• Extreme thirst, no urine output, or sunken eyes
• Pale, clammy, or cool skin
• Nausea, fever, chills, or rash
• Your eyes hurt and are sensitive to light
• Severe, painful blisters

The doctor will perform a physical exam and look at your skin. You may be asked questions about your medical history and current symptoms, including:

• When did the sunburn occur?
• How often do you get sunburn?
• Do you have blisters?
• How much of the body was sunburned?
• What medicines do you take?
• Do you use a sunblock or sunscreen? What type? How strong?
• What other symptoms do you have?

Images

Sun protection

Skin cancer, close-up of level III melanoma

Burns

Skin cancer, melanoma on the fingernail

Skin cancer, close-up of lentigo maligna melanoma

Sun’s effect on skin

Skin cancer, close-up of level IV melanoma

Skin cancer, melanoma superficial spreading

Sunburn

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Sunburn Overview

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Sunburn Prevention

Review Date: 04/27/2009
Reviewed By: Michael Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)