Health Topic

Sunburn

SUNBURN

Main Symptoms

  • Most sunburn is a first-degree burn that turns the skin pink or red.
  • Prolonged sun exposure can cause blistering and a second-degree burn.
  • Sunburn never causes a third-degree burn or scarring.
  • The pain and swelling starts at 4 hours, peaks at 24 hours, and improves after 48 hours.

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR SUNBURN

Call 911 Now (your child may need an ambulance) If

  • Passed out or too weak to stand

Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If

  • Your child looks or acts very sick
  • Passed out or too weak to stand
  • Large blisters (> 1/2 inch or 1.25 cm)
  • Unable to look at lights because of eye pain
  • Extremely painful sunburn
  • Looks infected (e.g., draining pus, red streaks, increasing tenderness after day 2)

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9am and 4pm) If

  • You think your child needs to be seen
  • Many small blisters
  • Swollen feet interfere with walking
  • Blisters on the face

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If

  • You have other questions or concerns.

Parent Care at Home If

  • Mild sunburn and you don't think your child needs to be seen.
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HOME CARE ADVICE FOR SUNBURN PAIN

  1. Ibuprofen: Start ibuprofen (e.g., Advil or Motrin) for pain relief ASAP if age older than 6 months (reason: if this anti-inflammatory agent is begun within 6 hours of sun exposure and continued for 2 days, it can reduce the swelling and discomfort experienced).
  2. Steroid Cream: Apply 1% hydrocortisone cream ASAP. If used early and 3 times/day for 2 days, it may reduce swelling and pain. Use a moisturizing cream until you can get some.
  3. Cool Baths: Apply cool compresses to the burned area several times a day to reduce pain and burning. For larger sunburns, give cool baths for 10 minutes (caution: avoid any chill). Add 2 oz. baking soda per tub. Avoid soap on the sunburn.
  4. Extra Fluids: Offer extra water on the first day to replace the fluids lost into the sunburn and to prevent dehydration and dizziness.
  5. Expected Course: Pain usually stops after 2 or 3 days. Peeling usually occurs day 5-7.
  6. Sunburns and Infants: Infants have thin skin that can burn easily. Therefore, sun avoidance (especially between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm) and protective clothing are very important. When a sunscreen is needed, infants can use adult sunscreen.
  7. Call Your Doctor If:
    • Pain becomes severe
    • Sunburn looks infected
    • Your child becomes worse or develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms
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Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Pediatric HouseCalls Online. Copyright © 2000-2005 Barton Schmitt, M.D. FAAP

Reviewed 8/2005

Revised 8/2005

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