Sunburn First Aid

Sunburn First Aid

Sunburn First Aid – Introduction

This section provides clear and practical guidance on Sunburn First Aid for people in Canada. It focuses on simple steps you can take at home to relieve discomfort and prevent further skin damage. This information is meant to help you respond safely to sunburns and reduce risks. It is not a substitute for full medical training or professional care.

Sunburn occurs when skin is exposed to too much ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning devices. Even mild sunburn can cause pain, redness, and peeling. More severe sunburns may lead to blisters, swelling, and serious complications.

In this guide, you will learn:

• What you can safely do at home to ease sunburn symptoms
• What actions to avoid to prevent worsening the injury
• When to seek urgent medical care or call 911

Always remember that if you or someone else experiences severe pain, blistering over a large area, fever, chills, confusion, or difficulty breathing after sun exposure, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department immediately. Prompt care can prevent serious health problems.

Medically reviewed by SASI medical review Board.

Key facts about Sunburn First Aid

• Sunburn is skin damage caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or tanning devices.
• Sunburn First Aid includes cooling the skin with cool (not cold) water or compresses to reduce pain and heat.
• Applying a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer or aloe vera gel can help soothe the skin and prevent dryness.
• Avoid breaking blisters or peeling the skin, as this increases the risk of infection.
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, since sunburn can cause fluid loss through the skin.
• Do not use ice directly on sunburned skin or apply greasy ointments, which can trap heat and worsen discomfort.
• Call 911 or seek emergency care if you experience severe blistering, fever, chills, confusion, difficulty breathing, or signs of dehydration.

Sunburn First Aid – Recognizing symptoms and danger signs

Sunburn First Aid starts with knowing how to spot symptoms and when to seek help. Sunburn can range from mild redness to severe skin damage. Understanding these signs helps you act safely and quickly.

Mild sunburn

Mild sunburn usually causes:

• Red, warm skin
• Slight pain or tenderness
• Dry or flaky skin after a day or two

You can manage mild sunburn safely at home with cool compresses and moisturizers. Avoid further sun exposure until healed.

Moderate sunburn

Moderate sunburn may include:

• More intense redness and swelling
• Blisters forming on the skin
• Increased pain and sensitivity
• Headache or mild fever

Do not pop blisters or apply greasy ointments. Use cool compresses and stay hydrated. If symptoms worsen or do not improve in a few days, see a healthcare provider. See also: [Managing Blisters]

Severe sunburn and emergency signs

Call 911 or go to the emergency department immediately if you notice:

• Large areas of blistering or skin peeling
• Severe pain that does not ease with over-the-counter pain relief
• Signs of heatstroke, such as confusion, dizziness, or loss of consciousness
• High fever above 39°C (102°F)
• Dehydration symptoms like extreme thirst, dry mouth, or little urine

These red flags suggest a serious condition needing urgent medical care. Always prioritise safety and do not delay emergency treatment.

Immediate first aid steps for Sunburn First Aid

If you or someone else has a sunburn, quick and careful action can help reduce pain and prevent further damage. Follow these safe steps at home while waiting for medical help if needed.

What you can do right away

• Move out of the sun immediately to stop further exposure.
• Cool the skin gently by applying a clean, damp cloth or taking a cool (not cold) bath or shower.
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, as sunburn can cause fluid loss.
• Apply a soothing lotion or gel containing aloe vera or soy to calm the skin. Avoid creams with fragrances or alcohol.
• Wear loose, soft clothing to avoid irritating the burned skin.
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen if needed, following the package directions.

What to avoid

• Do not use ice or very cold water directly on the skin, as this can cause more damage.
• Avoid breaking blisters if they form, to reduce infection risk.
• Do not apply butter, oils, or greasy ointments, which can trap heat and worsen the burn.
• Avoid further sun exposure until the skin has healed.

When to seek urgent care

Call 911 or go to the emergency department if the person has:

• Severe sunburn with blistering over a large area, especially on the face, hands, feet, or genitals.
• Signs of heatstroke such as confusion, fainting, rapid heartbeat, or high fever.
• Severe pain that does not improve with over-the-counter medication.
• Dehydration symptoms like dizziness, very dry mouth, or little urine output.
• Sunburn in young children or elderly people with worsening symptoms.

These immediate first aid steps for Sunburn First Aid can help reduce discomfort and prevent complications while waiting for professional care if needed.

Sunburn First Aid – What NOT to do

When dealing with sunburn first aid, certain actions can make the injury worse or cause complications. Avoid these common mistakes to ensure safe and effective care.

Do NOT use harsh or irritating substances

• Do not apply ice directly to the skin. It can cause frostbite or further damage.
• Avoid using butter, oils, or greasy lotions. These trap heat and slow healing.
• Do not apply strong topical creams like steroids or antibiotics unless prescribed by a healthcare professional.

Do NOT break blisters or peel skin

Blisters protect the underlying skin. Popping them increases the risk of infection. Let them heal naturally.

Do NOT ignore severe symptoms

• If you experience high fever, chills, severe pain, confusion, or signs of dehydration, seek urgent medical care immediately.
• Call 911 or go to the emergency department if sunburn covers a large area, especially on young children or older adults.

Do NOT delay cooling and hydration

Do not wait to start cooling the skin with cool (not cold) water and drinking plenty of fluids. Early care helps reduce pain and prevents complications.

Sunburn First Aid – When to call 911 or seek urgent care

Knowing when to call 911 or seek urgent care is vital for effective Sunburn First Aid. Most sunburns can be treated safely at home, but some signs require immediate medical attention.

Call 911 or emergency services immediately if you notice:

• Severe blistering covering a large area of the body
• Signs of heatstroke, such as confusion, fainting, or seizures
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Rapid swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• Severe pain that does not improve with over-the-counter pain relievers
• Signs of infection, including increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or pus

When to go to the emergency department or urgent care

Seek urgent care if you experience:

• Sunburn with extensive blistering or peeling
• Fever higher than 38°C (100.4°F) lasting more than 24 hours
• Persistent vomiting or inability to keep fluids down
• Severe headache or dizziness
• Sunburn in young children, elderly adults, or people with weakened immune systems

When to visit a walk-in clinic or family doctor

For mild to moderate sunburn without serious symptoms, consider seeing your family doctor or a walk-in clinic if:

• Pain or redness worsens after a few days
• Blisters develop but are small and limited
• You need advice on managing symptoms or preventing future sunburns

Always prioritise safety. If you are unsure about the severity of a sunburn or symptoms worsen quickly, do not hesitate to call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. See also: [When to See a Doctor]

Sunburn First Aid – Ongoing care and follow-up

After the initial treatment of sunburn, ongoing care is important to support healing and prevent complications. Monitor your skin closely for any changes or worsening symptoms.

At-home care

• Keep the skin moisturized with gentle, fragrance-free lotions or aloe vera gel.
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and help your skin recover.
• Avoid further sun exposure until the skin has fully healed.
• Wear loose, soft clothing to reduce irritation on the affected areas.
• Use cool compresses to relieve discomfort if needed, but avoid ice directly on the skin.

What to avoid

• Do not break any blisters that form, as this increases the risk of infection.
• Avoid applying oils, butter, or greasy creams that can trap heat and worsen irritation.
• Do not use harsh soaps or exfoliants on sunburned skin.

When to seek medical care

Book a follow-up appointment with your doctor if you notice:

• Severe pain that does not improve with over-the-counter pain relief.
• Signs of infection such as increased redness, swelling, warmth, or pus.
• Sunburn covering a large area, especially on young children or older adults.
• Fever, chills, or feeling very unwell after the sunburn.

Call 911 or your local emergency services immediately if you experience:

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing.
• Confusion, fainting, or seizures.
• Severe blistering or swelling that affects movement.

By following these steps, you can support healing and reduce the risk of complications after sunburn. Remember, early care and careful monitoring are key to recovery.

Prevention tips for Sunburn First Aid

Preventing sunburn is the best way to avoid pain and skin damage. You can protect yourself and others at home, work, school, and in the community by adopting simple habits and using safety equipment.

Safe practices at home and outdoors

• Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 about 15 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
• Wear protective clothing such as long sleeves, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses.
• Seek shade, especially between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are strongest.
• Limit time spent in direct sunlight, particularly for children and people with fair skin.

At work and school

• Encourage regular breaks in shaded or indoor areas during outdoor activities.
• Use sun-protective gear if your job or school activities require prolonged sun exposure.
• Educate children and coworkers about the importance of sun safety and sunburn first aid.

Environmental changes and community safety

• Install shade structures in playgrounds, parks, and outdoor work areas.
• Promote community awareness campaigns about sun safety and skin cancer prevention.
• Support policies that encourage sun protection measures in public spaces.

Remember, sunburn first aid starts with prevention. Avoid tanning beds and never use oils or products that increase sun sensitivity. If you or someone else develops severe sunburn with blisters, fever, chills, or confusion, call 911 or seek emergency care immediately.

Sunburn First Aid – FAQs

What is the best first aid for sunburn?

For mild sunburn, gently cool the skin with a damp cloth or take a cool bath. Apply a soothing, fragrance-free moisturizer or aloe vera gel to reduce discomfort. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Avoid further sun exposure until the skin heals.

What should I avoid doing if I have a sunburn?

• Do not use ice or very cold water directly on the skin, as this can cause more damage.
• Avoid applying oily or greasy creams, which may trap heat.
• Do not break blisters if they form, as this increases infection risk.
• Stay away from harsh soaps or scrubbing the affected area.

When should I seek urgent medical care for sunburn?

Call 911 or go to the emergency department if you experience:

• Severe blistering over a large area
• Signs of infection such as increased redness, swelling, pus, or fever
• Confusion, dizziness, or fainting
• Severe pain not relieved by over-the-counter painkillers
• Sunburn with swelling of the face or difficulty breathing

Can I use over-the-counter pain relief for sunburn?

Yes, non-prescription pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce pain and inflammation. Follow the dosing instructions on the package and avoid giving aspirin to children under 18.

How can I prevent sunburn in the future?

• Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, reapplying every two hours or after swimming.
• Wear protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses.
• Seek shade, especially between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun is strongest.
• Be extra cautious near water, snow, or sand, which reflect UV rays.

Sunburn First Aid – Summary

Sunburn first aid focuses on relieving pain, preventing further skin damage, and supporting healing at home. Applying cool compresses and using gentle moisturizers can help soothe the skin. Drinking plenty of water is important to stay hydrated. Avoid using harsh creams, breaking blisters, or exposing the skin to more sun. Over-the-counter pain relievers may reduce discomfort safely.

It is crucial to watch for signs that need urgent medical attention. Call 911 or your local emergency number if you experience severe blistering over large areas, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, confusion, or a high fever. These symptoms may indicate a serious reaction or infection.

Seek prompt care at an emergency department or urgent care centre if the sunburn causes intense pain that does not improve, widespread swelling, or if you notice signs of dehydration such as dizziness, weakness, or very little urine output. Children, older adults, and people with chronic health conditions should be especially cautious and seek medical advice early.

Remember, preventing sunburn by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding peak sun hours is the best approach. When sunburn occurs, follow safe first aid steps and do not hesitate to get professional help when needed.

Sunburn First Aid – References

• Health Canada – Sun Safety
• Mayo Clinic – Sunburn
• World Health Organization – Ultraviolet Radiation
• Canadian Red Cross – Sun Safety

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or emergency care. Always call 911 or your local emergency number in a medical emergency.