Sunburn – Diagnosis and Treatment
Sunburn strikes when you spend too much time in the sun and your skin takes a hit from ultraviolet (UV) rays. It’s more than just a bit of pain and redness—over time, you might notice wrinkles or sunspots showing up earlier than you’d like.
If you keep getting burned, your risk of skin cancer, including melanoma, goes up. That’s not something to take lightly. Too much sun can also mess with your immune system, making it tougher for your body to defend itself.
Knowing what sunburn does to your skin really matters if you want to stay healthy and avoid bigger problems down the road.
How Sunburns Are Identified
Doctors usually spot sunburn by examining your skin and asking about your time in the sun or under UV lamps. They’ll want to know if you’ve had redness, swelling, blisters, or peeling, and might ask about headaches or feeling sick.
Symptom | Description |
---|---|
Redness (erythema) | Skin turns red and feels warm |
Swelling | Skin may puff up or feel tight |
Blisters | Raised bumps with fluid, often in severe sunburn |
Peeling | Damaged skin flakes off after healing |
Sometimes, they use phototesting to see how your skin reacts to controlled doses of UVA and UVB light.
People with lighter skin or those who spend a lot of time in the sun face a higher risk. If blisters break, you could end up with dehydration or even an infection.
Treatment
To ease pain and swelling, try cool compresses or short, gentle showers. Over-the-counter meds like ibuprofen can help with discomfort. Reach for lotions with aloe vera or calamine to calm your skin.
Skip ointments with petroleum jelly—they can trap heat. If things get really bad, it’s best to let a doctor handle it.
Everyday Actions and At-Home Care
Sunburn feels awful, but you’ve got options for relief. Start by cooling the area. Use a clean, damp towel or take a quick bath with a little baking soda mixed in.
Keep it short—about 10 minutes—and repeat a few times a day. Don’t use hot water; it just makes things worse.
Moisturizers, lotions, or gels with aloe vera or calamine can make a big difference. If you chill them in the fridge first, the cooling effect feels even better. Pick products without alcohol since that dries out your skin.
If you’re itchy, try antihistamine tablets, but stick to the directions.
For pain and swelling, grab a nonprescription pain reliever like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Topical pain gels can target the sore spots directly. A mild corticosteroid cream, like 1% hydrocortisone, can also help with redness and swelling—just use it as directed.
Hydration is key while you heal. Drink extra water for at least a day after you get burned. When your skin starts peeling, that’s normal. Keep using moisturizer and don’t pick at the skin—let it fall off naturally to avoid infection or scars.
The eyes aren’t immune to sunburn, either. Use a cool, damp cloth for relief and skip the contact lenses until your eyes feel better. Try not to rub your eyes—it only adds to the irritation.
Prevention is where you really win against sunburn. Always use a sunscreen with a high SPF. Cover every bit of exposed skin and reapply every couple of hours, especially if you’re swimming or sweating.
Throw on protective clothing—wide-brimmed hats, long sleeves—and find shade when the sun’s at its worst, usually from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Here’s a quick look at common sun protection strategies:
Sun Protection Method | How It Helps | Tips |
---|---|---|
Sunscreen (SPF 30+ ) | Blocks UV rays | Apply 15 mins before sun, reapply often |
Shade | Reduces direct UV exposure | Use umbrellas, trees, shelters |
Protective Clothing | Shields skin from sunlight | Use UV-protective fabrics |
Wide-Brimmed Hats | Shields face, neck, and ears | Choose hats that cover well |
Sunglasses (UV-blocking) | Protects eyes and skin around them | Look for 100% UV protection |
Skip tanning beds—they’re just as bad as the sun, maybe worse. Keep up these habits even after your skin heals to lower your odds of getting burned again.
Don’t use anything with benzocaine unless your doctor says it’s safe; it can cause irritation or rare but serious reactions, especially in kids.
Getting Ready for Your Doctor Visit
If your sunburn is really bad or keeps coming back, seeing a doctor makes sense. Most people start with their regular health care provider. A little prep can make your appointment smoother and more helpful.
Medication List
Before you go, jot down every medicine you take. That means:
- Prescription meds
- Over-the-counter stuff (like painkillers)
- Vitamins, minerals, supplements
- Herbs or natural remedies
Some drugs make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Sharing this with your doctor helps them spot any connections between your meds and your skin issues.
Symptoms and Skin Changes
Track your symptoms and any changes in your skin. Think about:
- When did the sunburn start?
- Where is it on your body?
- How bad does it hurt?
- Any blisters, swelling, or fever?
Notice spots, color changes, or bleeding too. Bring this info along.
Previous Treatments
List what you’ve already tried—cooling gels, lotions, home remedies. This helps your provider figure out what works and what doesn’t.
Questions to Ask
Write down your questions so you don’t forget anything. A few ideas:
Question | Why Ask It? |
---|---|
Do I need a prescription or will store-bought medicine work? | To know the best and safest treatment. |
How fast will my skin heal after treatment starts? | To plan for possible needed care. |
What daily skin care is safe during healing? | To avoid making the burn worse. |
What skin warnings should I look out for? | To spot early signs of infection or other problems. |
Clothing and Sun Safety
Wear loose, light clothes to your appointment—your skin will thank you. Bring a hat or extra cover if you’ll be outside. If you used sunscreen, note the brand and SPF to tell your doctor.
Possible Referrals
If your sunburn is complicated or just won’t go away, your main doctor might send you to a dermatologist. Skin experts can offer more targeted help.
Extra Tips for Medical Care
- Bring your insurance card and ID.
- If you tend to forget details, ask a friend or family member to join you.
- Take pictures of your skin if things change before your visit. Photos can help your doctor see what’s happening.
List of Items to Bring
- List of medications and supplements
- Notes on symptoms and changes
- Written questions for your provider
- Sunscreen used, or a photo of the label
- Insurance and ID
- A notebook for jotting down advice
A bit of planning helps you get the most out of your doctor visit. When you show up prepared, your doctor can give better advice and help you recover faster.