What is Sunburn

Sunburn is damage to the skin that is caused by being in the sun too much. Getting too much sun over and over can cause wrinkles and dark spots on the skin (sun spots). It can also increase your chance of getting skin cancer.

Follow these instructions at home:

Medicines

• Take or apply over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your doctor.
• If you were prescribed an antibiotic medicine, use it as told by your doctor. Do not stop using the antibiotic even if your condition improves.

General instructions

• Avoid being in the sun. Wear clothing that covers your sunburn.
• Do not put ice on your sunburn. Try taking a cool bath or putting a cool, wet cloth (cool compress) on your skin. This may help with pain.
• Drink enough fluid to keep your pee (urine) pale yellow.
• Try putting aloe vera or a moisturizer that has soy in it on your sunburn. This may help your pain. Do not do this if you have blisters.
• Do not break any blisters if you have them.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your doctor. This is important.

Preventing sunburn

To keep from getting sunburned:

• Try to stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. The sun is strongest during that time.
• Put on sunscreen 30 minutes or more before you go out in the sun.
• Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. If you will be in the sun for a long time, think about using an SPF of 30 or higher. Use a sunscreen that protects against all of the sun’s rays (broad-spectrum) and is water-resistant.
• Put sunscreen on again:
  • About every 2 hours while you are in the sun.
  • More often if you are sweating a lot while you are in the sun.
  • After you get wet from swimming or playing in water.
  • Wear long sleeves, a hat, and sunglasses when you are outside.
  • Talk with your doctor about medicines, herbs, and foods that can make you more sensitive to light. Avoid these, if possible.
  • Do not use tanning beds.

Contact a doctor if:

• You have a fever or chills.
• Your symptoms do not get better with treatment.
• Medicine does not help your pain.
• Your burn gets more painful or swollen.
• You have open blisters on your skin.

Get help right away if:

• You start to throw up (vomit).
• You start to have watery poop (diarrhea).
• You feel dizzy.
• You pass out.
• You have a very bad headache or you feel confused.
• You have very bad blisters.
• You have pus or fluid coming from the blisters.

Summary

• Sunburn is damage to the skin that is caused by being in the sun too much.
• Do not put ice on your sunburn. Try taking a cool bath or putting a cool, wet cloth (cool compress) on your skin. This may help with pain.
• Do not break any blisters if you have them.
• Put on sunscreen 30 minutes or more before you go out in the sun. This can help you to not get sunburned.