Please call 911 immediately if you are having chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, sudden weakness or numbness, or if you think you have a medical emergency.
Sunburn Treatment
Call 911 if the person:
Does not seem to be responding appropriately.
Has a seizure, visual changes, or any other neurologic symptoms. These could be symptoms of severe heat illness.
Call a health care provider if:
The burn has blisters or the skin is white-appearing or numb. These are symptoms of a more-serious sunburn
The sunburned person is a child under one year old.
1. Rehydrate
Replace body fluids with water, juice, or sports drinks.
2. Treat Symptoms
Apply aloe or over-the-counter moisturizing lotion to skin as directed.
To soothe and cool skin, bathe in lukewarm water or apply cool compresses to the area.
For pain, take ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol).
WebMD Medical Reference
SOURCES:
Skin Cancer Foundation: "Sunburn."
CDC: "Extreme Heat: A Guide to Promote Your Personal Health and Safety."
Intermountain Healthcare: "Sunburn -- Adults."
Reviewed by
David M. Walker, MD on November 01, 2011