Sunburn first aid

First Aid

• Try taking a cool bath or shower. Or place wet, cold wash cloths on the burn for 10 to 15 minutes, several times a day. You can mix baking soda in the water to help relieve the pain. (Small children may become easily chilled, so keep the water tepid.)
• Apply a soothing lotion to the skin.
• Aloe gel is a common household remedy for sunburns. Aloe contains active compounds that help stop pain and inflammation of the skin.
• An over-the-counter pain medication, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be helpful. DO NOT give aspirin to children.

DO NOT

• DO NOT apply petroleum jelly, benzocaine, lidocaine, or butter to the sunburn. They make the symptoms worse and can prevent healing.
• DO NOT wash burned skin with harsh soap.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call immediately if there are signs of shock, heat exhaustion, dehydration, or other serious reaction. These signs include:

• Feeling faint or dizzy
• Rapid pulse or rapid breathing
• Extreme thirst, no urine output, or sunken eyes
• Pale, clammy, or cool skin
• Nausea, fever, chills, or rash
• Your eyes hurt and are sensitive to light
• Severe, painful blisters

References

Kaplan LA. Exposure to Radiation from the Sun. In: Auerbach PS. Wilderness Medicine. 5th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2007: chap. 14.

Han A, Maibach HI. Management of acute sunburn. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2004;5(1):39-47.