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Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Sunburn first aid

Cheilitis, actinic
Cheilitis, actinic
Sunburn
Sunburn
Sunburn
Sunburn
First Aid
  • Try taking a cool bath or shower. Or place wet, cold wash cloths on the burn for 10 to 15 minutes, several times a day. You can mix baking soda in the water to help relieve the pain. (Small children may become easily chilled, so keep the water tepid.)
  • Apply a soothing lotion to the skin.
  • Aloe gel is a common household remedy for sunburns. Aloe contains active compounds that help stop pain and inflammation of the skin.
  • An over-the-counter pain medication, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be helpful. DO NOT give aspirin to children.

Do Not
  • DO NOT apply petroleum jelly, benzocaine, lidocaine, or butter to the sunburn. They make the symptoms worse and can prevent healing.
  • DO NOT wash burned skin with harsh soap.

Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if

Call immediately 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


Review Date: 07/17/2006
Reviewed By: Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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