Sunburn and Sun Protection

Sunburn is an inflammation of the skin that follows over exposure to ultraviolet (UV light) from the sun, sun lamps, or occupational light sources.

Signs and symptoms:

• Red swollen, painful and sometimes blistered skin.
• Fever.
• Nausea, vomiting and delirium with severe burns.
• Tanning or peeling of skin after recovery.

There is increased risk if you are fair skinned; have red or blonde hair; are exposed to industrial light sources (welding arcs); or are on a medication which increases sensitivity of the skin to UV light. These medications are sulfa antibiotics, Tetracyclines, Amoxicillin, and oral contraceptives. The sunburn can result in skin changes that lead to premature wrinkling and loss of skin elasticity, as well as more serious outcomes such as keratosis, premalignant skin lesions, skin cancer, and malignant melanoma.

Prevention of sunburn

• Avoid exposure to sun between noon and 3:00 pm.
• Use a sun block with a sun protection factor (SPF) greater than 15 and reapply after swimming or sweating.
• Baby oil, mineral oil, and cocoa butter do not filter out UV light and offer no protection.
• Zinc oxide ointment offers maximum protection and must be reapplied frequently.
• Wearing bright colors or white will reflect sun onto your face increasing risk of burn.
• If you insist on getting tanned, gradually increase your sun exposure. For example, 1st day 5-10 minutes each side, 2nd day 10-15 minutes each side, then increase 5 minutes each side per day.

Treatment

• Cool moist compresses on the skin can reduce heat and pain.
• Cold cream or baby lotion adds moisture to the skin.
• Protect blisters that may form.
• Soaking in a cool oatmeal bath (Aveeno) or baking soda may soothe the skin. Pat the skin dry, don't rub to avoid further damage.
• Use Aspirin or Tylenol for pain and fever reduction.
• Topical pain reducing sprays that contain Benzocaine or Lidocaine should be used with caution. Some persons may develop allergic reactions to these ingredients.
• Keep pressure off of burned skin to help relieve pain.

Return to the emergency room or seek medical attention if you have:

• A temperature that is greater than 101°F.
• Vomiting or diarrhea.
• Delirium.
• Pain and fever that persists for longer than 48 hours.

Each year, Medical College of Wisconsin physicians care for more than 180,000 patients, representing nearly 500,000 patient visits. Medical College physicians practice at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital, the Milwaukee VA Medical Center, and many other hospitals and clinics in Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin.