SUNBURN
Back To Health Information
DEFINITION - excessive sun exposure which leads to pain, redness, swelling, blisters, headache, and occasionally fatigue and fever.
SELF TREATMENT
- Take a cool bath or shower
- Leave water blisters intact to speed healing and avoid infection
- If blisters break, an antibacterial ointment can be applied
- Use over-the-counter pain relievers such as Tylenol or Advil
- Apply sunburn lotions with aloe. Avoid those with anesthetics.
- Avoid additional sun exposure until well-healed
CONTACT STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES IF
- Your sunburn is severe
- Blisters break and infection occurs (redness, swelling, red streaks)
- Rash, itching or fever develops
PREVENTION
- Avoid sun exposure during peak hours of 10 am - 3 pm
- Use a sunscreen with SPF at least 15
- Protect your eyes with sunglasses that block at least 95% of UV radiation