Sunburn

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Burns

Sun protection

Skin cancer, melanoma on the fingernail

Skin cancer, close-up of lentigo maligna melanoma

Skin cancer, close-up of level III melanoma

Skin cancer, close-up of level IV melanoma

Skin cancer, melanoma superficial spreading

Sunburn

Overview

Treatment

Sunburn

Alternative Names:

Burn from the sun

Home Care:

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. (Aspirin should be avoided in children who are running a fever.)

Call your health care provider if:

There is a fever with the sunburn
Fluid-filled blisters, dizziness, or visual difficulties accompany the sunburn

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting sunburn may include:

When did it occur?
How often does sunburn develop?
Is the skin red?
Are there blisters?
How much of the body was sunburned?
What medications are being taken?
Do you use a sunblock or sunscreen? What type? How strong?
Other
- What other symptoms are also present?
- Is there fever, dizziness, blisters, or vision problems?

Review Date: 4/30/2005
Reviewed By: Jonathan Kantor, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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