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Sunburn

Description

  • Most sunburn is a first-degree burn which turns the skin pink or red
  • Prolonged sun exposure can cause blistering and a second-degree burn
  • Sunburn never causes a third-degree burn or scarring
  • The pain and swelling starts at 4 hours, peaks at 24 hours, and improves after 48 hours

When to Call Your Doctor for Sunburn

Call Your Doctor Now If:

  • Your child looks or acts very sick
  • Passed out or too weak to stand
  • Blister is present (EXCEPTION: small closed blister < ½ inch size)
  • Unable to look at lights because of eye pain
  • Extremely painful sunburn
  • Looks infected (e.g. draining pus, red streaks, increasing tenderness after day 2)

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours If:

  • You think your child needs to be seen
  • Several blisters on the face
  • Swollen feet interfere with walking

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Hours If:

  • You have other questions or concerns

Home Care (Read "Call Your Doctor…" first):

Ibuprofen

Start ibuprofen (e.g. Advil or Motrin) for pain relief as soon as possible if age > 6 months. (Reason: If this anti-inflammatory agent is begun within 6 hours of sun exposure and continued for 2 days, it can reduce the swelling and discomfort experienced).

Steroid Cream

Apply 1% hydrocortisone cream as soon as possible. If used early and 3 times/day for 2 days, it may reduce swelling and pain. Use a moisturizing cream until you can get some.

Cool Baths

Apply cool compresses to the burned area several times a day to reduce pain and burning.

For larger sunburns, give cool baths for 10 minutes. (Caution: avoid any chill). Add 2 oz. baking soda per tub. Avoid soap on the sunburn.

Extra Fluids

Offer extra water on the first day to replace the fluids lost into the sunburn and to prevent dehydration and dizziness.

Expected Course

Pain usually stops after 2 or 3 days. Peeling usually occurs day 5-7.

Sunburns and Infants

Infants have thin skin that can sunburn easily. Therefore, sun avoidance (especially between 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.) and protective clothing are very important.

Call Your Doctor If:

  • Pain becomes severe
  • Sunburn looks infected
  • Your child becomes worse or develops any of the "Call Your Doctor…" symptoms

Parent Care for Pediatric Symptoms. Copyright 2000-2006.