Home Care:

Sunburn is better prevented than treated. Effective sunscreens are available in a wide variety of strengths. Most doctors recommend a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30.

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.
• Cortisone creams may help reduce the inflammation.
• Loose cotton clothing should be worn.

Click here to see a video about how to treat a sunburn.

Call your health care provider if:

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

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

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?

Prevention:

• Avoid sun exposure during hours of peak sun ray intensity.
• Apply generous amounts of sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. Pay special attention to your face, nose, ears, and shoulders. The higher the SPF, the greater the protection.
• Apply sunscreen 30 minutes prior to sun exposure to allow penetration. Re-apply after swimming and every 2 hours while you are outdoors.
• Wear sun hats. There is also SPF clothing and swimwear available.
• Wear sunglasses with UV protection.
• Use a lip balm with sunscreen.