Sunburn

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Burns	Skin cancer, close-up of lentigo maligna melanoma	Skin cancer, close-up of level III melanoma	Skin cancer, close-up of level IV melanoma
Skin cancer, melanoma on the fingernail	Skin cancer, melanoma superficial spreading	Sunburn	Sun protection

Burn from the sun

Sunburn is better prevented than treated. Effective sunscreens are available in a wide variety of strengths. Most doctors recommend a sunscreen SPF level of 30 or greater.

Sunscreen should be generously applied. If out in the sun for a prolonged period of time during the day, wearing a hat and other protective clothing is recommended. Light clothing reflects the sun most effectively.

If you do get a sunburn:

• Try taking a cool shower or bath or placing wet, cold wash rags on the burn.
• Avoid products that contain benzocaine, lidocaine, or petroleum (like Vaseline).
• If blisters are present, dry bandages may help prevent infection.
• If your skin is not blistering, moisturizing cream may be applied to relieve discomfort.
• Over the counter medications, like ibuprofen, may help to relieve pain from sunburn. (Aspirin should be avoided in children who are running a fever.)

• There is a fever with the sunburn
• Fluid-filled blisters, dizziness, or visual difficulties accompany the sunburn

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting sunburn may include:

• When did it occur?
• How often does sunburn develop?
• Is the skin red?
• Are there blisters?
• How much of the body was sunburned?
• What medications are being taken?
• Do you use a sunblock or sunscreen? What type? How strong?
• Other
  • What other symptoms are also present?
  • Is there fever, dizziness, blisters, or vision problems?

Review Date: 04/30/2005
Reviewed By: Jonathan Kantor, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.