Sunburns are caused by excessive exposure to an ultraviolet light source, such as the sun or tanning equipment. The amount of sun exposure required to produce a burn varies, depending on the length of exposure, the strength of the ultraviolet rays and the person's skin pigment.
Symptoms of a sunburn may not appear until several hours after exposure. If the burn is superficial and first degree, the skin will be red, itchy and tender and, within a few days, will begin to peel. More serious second-degree burns form blisters within the first few hours or at least that same day. Although the skin may appear to return back to normal, sunburns cause permanent skin damage that may lead to skin cancer, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC).
Step 1
Remove clothing and jewelry in the area of the burn. Examine the skin for blistering.
Step 2
Take a cool bath or shower, or use cool compresses to reduce pain and swelling.
Step 3
Apply moisturizing lotion if the skin is intact. If blisters have formed, do not apply lotion; instead, apply a clean, dry bandage to prevent infection.
Step 4
Take over-the-counter medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen to relieve pain and reduce swelling.
Step 5
Drink plenty of water for the next two to three days to prevent dehydration.
Step 6
Continue moisturizer applications to reduce itching and peeling. Keep blisters covered with gauze and apply antibiotic cream if they break spontaneously. Do not break them yourself as they form a protective covering.
Step 7
Stay out of the sun while healing. If you must go outside, cover the burned area completely.
Tips and Warnings
- Prevent sunburn by wearing sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 30, wearing a hat and light-colored clothing in the sun, and avoiding sun exposure during peak hours of sun intensity. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), applying moisturizing creams such as aloe vera and diphendydramine (Benadryl) may be helpful in relieving sunburn symptoms. Steroids taken by mouth are probably ineffective, and steroid creams provide only limited benefits. Check with your health care provider before using products containing benzocaine that are marketed to relieve sunburn pain. Opinions vary regarding the use of these sprays and gels because they may irritate the skin, according to the Mayo Clinic.
- Don't give children or teens aspirin. It may cause Reye's syndrome, a rare but potentially fatal disease. Watch for a severe reaction, called sun poisoning, which includes fever, chills, nausea or rash. Extreme sun exposure can lead to death if untreated. Seek emergency medical attention immediately if such symptoms surface.
Things You'll Need
- Cold compresses or cool running water
- Bandages
- Tape
- Moisturizing lotion
- Over-the-counter medications
