Self-Care Pocket Guide • Sunburn
Sunburn

Overview

Sunburns are caused by overexposure to the sun, tanning beds, or sunlamps. They can be mild or severe enough to cause blisters, peeling, and other more general symptoms — some of which may require that you see a healthcare provider. Overexposure to the sun may be merely painful in the short-run, but over the long-run, it can cause skin cancer and premature aging. In fact, a tan is a visible sign that skin damage has occurred .

Signs and Symptoms

• Red, swollen, or painful skin
• In severe cases, small or large water blisters
• Occasionally, a fever less than 100.5 degrees F (38 degrees C)
• Tanning or peeling of the skin after the sunburn has gone away

Self-Care Measures

• Soak in a tub of cool water or put cool water compresses on painful areas.
• Apply non-oil-based creams or lotions or aloe vera gel to sooth your sunburn.
• For pain, use an OTC topical anesthetic and/or an OTC oral analgesic with ibuprofen.
• Drink at least 8 ounces of water every hour that you are awake.

Red Flags

CALL THE UHS 24-HOUR NURSE ADVICE LINE 475-NURS (475-6877) IF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING OCCURS:

• Symptoms don't improve within 48 hours
• Fever of 100.5 degrees F (38 degrees C) or higher that doesn't come down after taking an OTC analgesic.
• More than one episode of vomiting and/or diarrhea
• Mental confusion, dizziness, or fainting

Go Under Cover

To stay healthy and maintain your youthful skin:

• Minimize sun exposure from 10am - 4pm.
• Use sunscreen of at least SPF 15. If you're fair-skinned, use one of SPF 30 or higher.
• Reapply sunscreen as directed, but especially after swimming or sweating heavily.
• Use a physical barrier agent like zinc oxide cream or ointment on your nose, ears, and the backs of your legs and neck if you'll be in intense sunlight for long periods.
• Wear light colored clothing, a cap or hat, and a light-weight, long-sleeved shirt.
• Avoid sunlamps and tanning booths/beds. Try a sunless tanning product or other non-UV tanning options.