Question
Asked by shelby714
How Dangerous Is Face Swelling From Sunburn?
I got a really bad sunburn on my face and now its swelling. Is this something I should be concerned about? How can I stop/treat the swelling?
Answer
Sunburn and sun poisoning are really the same things, just to different degrees. When you get a sunburn, the symptoms are usually redness, sore to the touch, peeling and itchiness. Sun poisoning is a more severe type of sunburn and can cause more serious symptoms. These include:
Redness
Skin sore to touch
Swelling
Small blisters
Nausea
Fever
Headache
Dizziness
Dehydration
Usually peeling and itching don't start until the sunburn has started to heal. You can often treat sun poisoning at home by taking acetaminophen for pain and fever, applying cold compresses to reduce swelling and staying hydrated.
Taking cool baths (not cold) might help relieve some of the pain. Make sure to pat your skin dry or allow it to air dry. Rubbing with a towel can further irritate the skin. Try to stay in air-conditioning to stay more comfortable. Applying aloe gels might help.
If you experience a high fever, extreme pain or vomiting, call your doctor or visit an emergency room or urgent care facility for medical care.
The best way to prevent sunburn or sun poisoning in the future is to make sure to practice sun safety: always apply sunscreen of 30 SPF or above and reapply every two hours, wear protective clothing and sunglasses and seek shade between the hours of 10:00 am and 4:00 pm.
For more information:
Sun Poisoning: What Are the Symptoms?