SUNBURN

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DEFINITION - excessive sun exposure which leads to pain, redness, swelling, blisters, headache, and occasionally fatigue and fever.

SELF TREATMENT

  1. Take a cool bath or shower
  2. Leave water blisters intact to speed healing and avoid infection
  3. If blisters break, an antibacterial ointment can be applied
  4. Use over-the-counter pain relievers such as Tylenol or Advil
  5. Apply sunburn lotions with aloe. Avoid those with anesthetics.
  6. Avoid additional sun exposure until well-healed

CONTACT STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES IF

  1. Your sunburn is severe
  2. Blisters break and infection occurs (redness, swelling, red streaks)
  3. Rash, itching or fever develops

PREVENTION

  1. Avoid sun exposure during peak hours of 10 am - 3 pm
  2. Use a sunscreen with SPF at least 15
  3. Protect your eyes with sunglasses that block at least 95% of UV radiation