Sunburn

Overview
Symptoms of sunburn usually appear within a few hours after exposure, and up until 24 hours after exposure. A sunburn usually peaks within two to three days. Sunburns can be avoided by using an appropriate sunscreen for your skin type.

Most sunburns are first-degree burns that cause the skin to become red, warm and tender to the touch. Second-degree burns are a more serious burn and can cause severe swelling, reddening, pain and blisters. Blisters are a sign that the burn has gone deeper than just the surface layer of the skin and has caused damage-releasing fluids from the cells in the lower layers of the skin. This results in bad blisters and breaks in the skin where bacteria and other organisms can enter. This is not a good situation and a person with a burn this badly should get some medical attention.

Symptoms
Sunburns cause pain, redness, swelling and occasional blistering. When a large area has been exposed, a sunburn can cause headache, fever, nausea and fatigue.

Treatment
Take a cool bath or shower.

Apply an aloe vera lotion several times a day. If your burn is unbearable, Lidocaine may help numb the pain.

Leave water blisters intact (meaning don't pop them) to speed healing and avoid infection. If they burst on their own, remove skin fragments, then apply an antibacterial ointment on the open areas. Cover with a sterile gauze bandage.

Take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

Drink plenty of fluids. Sunburn actually dehydrates the body. Also, high-protein food will help with tissue repair.

Consider a product containing Benzocaine (an anesthetic).

For other sunburn treatments, click here.

Ask your Physician
If your sunburn begins to blister, or if you experience immediate complication (rash, itching or fever), call your health care provider or if very severe, go to the emergency room.

Before you go in the sun, learn more about the dangers of tanning and merkel cell carcinoma.