First aid for sunburn includes applying cool compresses, using aloe vera or moisturizers, and staying hydrated. Avoid further sun exposure and monitor for blistering or fever. Nurses and caregivers support skin recovery and prevent complications.
Sunburn is an inflammatory skin reaction caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Affected skin becomes painful, red, and hot to the touch, and severe burns may blister or peel.
Sunburn is like nature’s retaliation for daring to spend too much time in its radiant presence. It occurs when ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or artificial sources, like tanning beds, damage the DNA in your skin cells. This damage leads to the infamous redness, inflammation, and pain associated with sunburn. But fear not; the sun’s fury can be tamed.
Causes
Sunburn is caused by exposure of the skin to ultraviolet radiation. Often this is due to being exposed to sunlight, but can also be caused by excessive use of sun beds/tanning beds.
Everyone is at risk of sunburn, although the risk is higher for those with fair skin.
Severity of Sunburn
The severity of sunburn depends on the type of sunburn. The common types of sunburn are first-degree sunburns and second-degree sunburns.
First-Degree Sunburn
First-degree sunburn damages the outer layer of the skin and heals on its own, often within a couple of days. Some of the symptoms of first-degree sunburn are:
- Skin redness
- Soreness
- Blistering or swelling
- A tight or warm feeling
- Peeling skin
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Raised temperature
Second-Degree Sunburn
Second-degree sunburn affects the outer layer of the skin and also the middle layer of the skin, which is known as dermis. It could take weeks for the skin to heal properly and could require to be treated by a specialist.
The symptoms of second-degree sunburn include:
- Pain
- Blistering or swelling over a big area
- Deep red skin
- Skin that displays white discoloration
- Skin that looks shiny and wet
People who experience second-degree sunburn should visit a doctor if their skin is severely swollen or blistered or if they experience symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. These symptoms are as follows:
- Exhaustion
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Slurred speech
- Feeling shivery and hot
- Muscle cramps
- Seizures
- Dizziness
- Rapid pulse or fast breathing
- Headache
- Having a high temperature
Signs & Symptoms
- Painful, inflamed redness and warmth
- Blister formation in more severe cases
- Headache, fever, nausea, or dehydration symptoms (thirst, dizziness) may accompany skin changes
When to Seek Emergency Help
Seek immediate medical care if the person has:
- Fever over 39.4 °C (103 °F), persistent vomiting, or confusion
- Signs of infection: spreading redness, pus, red streaks, or increased pain
- Large blisters, especially on the face, hands, genitals, or over major joints
- Dehydration signs such as dizziness, faintness, or decreased urination
First Aid for Sunburn Steps
- Pain Relief
- Give nonprescription ibuprofen or acetaminophen as soon as possible to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Cool the Skin
- Gently apply a clean towel dampened with cool tap water or take a cool bath for 10 minutes, repeating several times daily.
- For extra relief, add about 60 g (2 oz) of baking soda to the bathwater.
- Moisturize & Soothe
- Pat the skin dry and apply a cooling gel or lotion such as aloe vera or calamine, ideally chilled in the refrigerator.
- Avoid products containing alcohol to prevent further drying or irritation.
- Blister Care
- Leave intact blisters undisturbed; they protect the underlying skin.
- If a blister breaks, trim loose skin with sterilized scissors, cleanse gently with mild soap and water, apply antibiotic ointment, and cover with a nonstick dressing.
- Hydration & Rest
- Encourage frequent sips of water, electrolyte solutions, or diluted juice to prevent dehydration and support healing.
- Eye Sunburn
- Rinse eyes with cool, clean water or apply a cool compress; avoid rubbing.
- Do not wear contact lenses until eye irritation subsides.
Do’s and Don’ts
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Cool skin with clean water or cool compresses | Apply ice directly to skin or use ice packs without barrier |
| Use ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain relief | Rub or scrub the sunburned area |
| Apply aloe vera or calamine lotion | Use lotions containing alcohol or numbing agents |
| Drink extra fluids to maintain hydration | Pop intact blisters or peel away healthy skin |
| Cover sunburned areas and stay out of the sun | Delay medical care if red-flag symptoms develop |
Prevention
Here is how sunburn can be prevented:
- Avoid tanning beds and suntanning
- Try to stay away from sun exposure during the period when UV rays are at their strongest, which is usually between 10 am to 4 pm
- Wear a hat when you go out in the sun
- Protect yourself from UVA and UVB rays by making use of broad-spectrum sunscreen. Reapply it every 90 minutes while being outdoors and especially after sweating and swimming
- Visit a dermatologist on an annual basis to get checked for skin cancer
- Wear clothes that protect you from the sun, such as long-sleeved shirts, wide hats, and long pants
- Wear sunglasses that protect your eyes and help in filtering out the UV rays
- Whenever you’re outdoors, sit at spots that are shaded
- Be careful of sun exposure when consuming medicines that make your skin more sensitive
REFERENCES
- Thompson DA. Sunburn. In: Adult Telephone Protocols: Office Version. 5th ed. American Academy of Pediatrics; 2022.
- Auerbach PS, et al., eds. Exposure to radiation from the sun. In: Auerbach’s Wilderness Medicine. 7th ed. Elsevier; 2017. https://www.clinicalkey.com.
- Kermott CA, et al., eds. Sunburn. In: Mayo Clinic Book of Home Remedies. 2nd ed. Time; 2017.
- WebMD Editorial Contributors, Sunburn Treatment, July 21, 2020, https://www.webmd.com/first-aid/sunburn-treatment
- John Furst, First Aid for Sunburn, Updated December 14, 2023, https://www.firstaidforfree.com/first-aid-for-sunburn/
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