Sunburn
Alternative names:
burn from the sun
Home care:
For sunburn pain, try acetaminophen, cold compresses, and cool baths. (Aspirin should be avoided in children who also appear ill). Avoid products that contain benzocaine, and avoid use of Vaseline. If blisters are present, dry bandages may help prevent infection. Ibuprofin may help to alleviate the pain from sunburn. If the skin is not blistering, moisturizing cream may be applied to relieve discomfort.
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.
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:
- time pattern
- When did it occur?
- How often does sunburn develop?
- type of sunburn
- Is the skin red?
- Are there blisters?
- How much of the body was sunburned?
- aggravating factors
- What medications are being taken?
- relieving factors
- Do you use a sunblock or sunscreen? What type? How strong?
- other
Intervention:
Treatment of sunburn is symptomatic, and prevention remains the key to avoiding the painful consequences of overexposure to the sun.
For first-degree burns (a mild to moderate sunburn):Treat with a cool shower or bath or apply cold, wet washrags. The use of a topical cortocosteriod cream or ointment is not recommended, especially if it contains benzocaine, which may cause an allergic reaction. If there are no blisters, a moisturizing cream may be used to help soothe the burn. Aspirin can be taken to alleviate the pain and inflammation caused by a sunburn.
If the skin is a deep red and there are no blisters present, the use of an anti-inflammatory drug (such as ibuprofen) is recommended. Prednisone helps to decrease the symptoms of sun poisoning (which include a low-grade fever, loss of appetite, nausea, and fatigue. A five-day use of prednisone should be taken as follows:
- Day 1: 80 mg
- Day 2: 60 mg
- Day 3: 40 mg
- Day 4: 20 mg
- Day 5: 10 mg
Note: In order to prevent possible dehydration, it is important to drink balanced electrolyte liquids throughout this five-day treatment.
If the skin is blistering, it is most likely a second-degree burn. Use clean, cool water for pain relief. Never apply ice directly on a sunburn. Clean and dry the burn and cover with cloth or gauze bandages.
After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a diagnosis related to sunburn to your personal medical record.
Update Date: 10/08/99
Updated by: adam.com editorial
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