Sunburn first aid
Definition
Sunburn is from over-exposure to
the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. While the symptoms are
usually temporary (such as red skin that is painful to the touch),
the skin damage is often permanent and can have serious long-term
health effects, including skin cancer.
Considerations
Keep in mind:
- There is no such thing as a
"healthy tan." Unprotected sun exposure causes premature aging of
the skin.
- Sun exposure can cause first and
second degree burns.
- Skin cancer usually appears in
adulthood, but is caused by sun exposure and sunburns that began as
early as childhood. You can help prevent skin cancer by protecting
your skin and your children's skin from the harmful rays of the
sun.
Factors that make sunburn
more likely:
- Infants and children are
especially sensitive to the burning effects of the sun.
- People with fair skin are more
likely to get sunburn. But even dark and black skin can burn and
should be protected.
- The sun's rays are strongest
during the hours of 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The sun's rays are also
stronger at higher altitudes and lower latitudes (closer to the
tropics). Reflection off water, sand, or snow can intensify the
sun's burning rays.
- Sun lamps can cause severe
sunburn.
- Some medications (such as the
antibiotic doxycycline) can make you more susceptible to
sunburn.
Symptoms
The first signs of a sunburn may
not appear for a few hours. The full effect to your skin may not
appear for 24 hours or longer. Possible symptoms
include:
- Red, tender skin that is warm to
touch.
- Blisters that develop hours to
days later.
- Severe reactions (sometimes
called "sun poisoning"), including fever, chills, nausea, or rash.
- Skin peeling on sunburned areas
several days after the 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.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call immediately if there are
signs of shock, heat exhaustion, dehydration, or other serious
reaction. These signs include:
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.
References
Kaplan LA. Exposure to Radiation
from the Sun. In: Auerbach PS. Wilderness Medicine. 5th ed.
St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2007: chap. 14.
Han A, Maibach HI. Management of
acute sunburn. Am J Clin Dermatol.
2004;5(1):39-47.
Review Date: 6/9/2008
Reviewed By: John E. Duldner, Jr., MD, MS, Assistant Professor of
Emergency Medicine Director of Research, Department of Emergency
Medicine Akron General Medical Center and Northeastern Ohio
Universities College of Medicine. Review provided by VeriMed
Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical
Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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