Sunburn Treatment for Mild to Severe Exposure
A Burn from Too Much Sun May Require Emergency Medical Attention
Jun 20, 2009
Most everyone has experienced the painful effects of sunburn to some degree. Whether one is on vacation at the beach, working an outdoor job, or spending time gardening in the back yard, the person who forgets to use sun protection knows all too well the consequences of getting burned.
Anyone who goes outside without sunscreen during daylight hours is at risk for sunburn. One can even get a sunburn when it is overcast outside. The Web site, Cosmetic Surgery Affiliates, in an article adapted from the American Academy of Dermatology, titled, "The Sun and Your Skin – Guidelines for Care" states, "Most people discount the risk of getting a sunburn on a cloudy or overcast day when the sun is not shining brightly. However, on these foggy, cloudy, or slightly overcast days, a sunburn can be induced when sunlight is scattered by atmospheric conditions. Up to 80% of UV rays can 'penetrate' through the clouds."
Particularly vulnerable to sunburn are infants and children, elderly persons, people who work outdoors, athletes, unsuspecting tourists, persons with acute medical problems, and anyone foolish enough to believe the sun's UV rays can do no harm.
Appearance and Treatment of Mild Sunburn
Sunburn can occur in as little as ten minutes. Even in mild cases, repeated exposure can lead to drying of the skin, unsightly wrinkles, premature aging, and skin cancer.
Low grade sunburn feels warm to the touch and may be mildly uncomfortable for some individuals. Mild sunburn can usually be managed at home provided there are no other medical conditions to compound the problem.
To ease the discomfort associated with mild sunburn:
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- Apply a cool damp cloth to the affected area to relieve pain and swelling. Do not put ice directly on the skin as this can cause further damage. Do not rub the skin.
- Topical ointments may help soothe itching, especially remedies with aloe.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers to help ease the discomfort.
- Stay out of the sun to avoid aggravating the burn.
Moderate Sunburn May Require Medical Treatment
Moderate sunburn usually occurs between 2 and 6 hours of unprotected exposure. The sunburn may not look that bad at first because it can take as long as twelve hours for the worst damage to appear. By then the skin is noticeably bright red and feels very hot to the touch. The burn stings deep into the tissue and large blisters may begin to erupt.
Moderate sunburn can be extremely painful, especially when the damaged skin begins to tighten. The discomfort of typical sunburn can last a full week or longer before it starts to heal, but the itching and unsightly peeling of dead skin can last much longer.
When should a person see a doctor for sunburn? Get medical treatment if the following symptoms occur: headache, nausea, suspected dehydration, excessive pain, and blistering. An antibiotic may be needed to prevent infection.
General treatment for moderate sunburn:
- Drink plenty of fluids to rehydrate.
- Cool the area by applying a damp cloth or soak in a cool bath.
- See a doctor or pharmacist for recommended topical applications.
- Use pain relievers for discomfort unless otherwise instructed by a physician. A prescription may provide stronger relief.
- Leave blisters intact to promote faster healing. Treat open wounds with ointment and apply sterile gauze to prevent infection.
- As skin peels, use a moisturizing cream.
- Stay out of the sun until blistering, wounds, and redness heal.
Treatment for Sun Poisoning
Extreme sunburn can cause a person to go into shock. Sun poisoning is a medical emergency. Vital organs can shut down from massive dehydration, resulting in coma and death. The visible symptoms of sun poisoning include:
- Severely inflamed or reddened skin
- Severe dehydration
- Disorientation
- Dizziness and/or fainting
- Nausea
- Chills
- High fever
- Headache
In the event of sun poisoning, get professional medical help immediately.
Anyone can get a sunburn, but certain age groups and persons with medical conditions are more susceptible to complications resulting from prolonged exposure to the sun.
Treatment for mild sunburn can usually be managed at home. Moderate sunburn may or may not require medical intervention, but it's always better to be safe than sorry, especially if there is blistering and the possibility of infection. Severe sunburn is a medical emergency that requires immediate professional medical attention.
It's safe to say that sunburn of any degree can put a damper on a vacation. Sunburn can easily be prevented by wearing protective clothing, spending minimal time outdoors, and by using a sunscreen with a high SPF (sun protection factor). Considering the consequences – including the risk of skin cancer and the danger of sun poisoning – there is really no excuse for not taking every precaution.
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