SUNBURN

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR THE PAIN OF SUNBURN

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).
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.
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.
Extra Fluids: Offer extra water on the first day to replace the fluids lost into the sunburn and to prevent dehydration and dizziness.
Expected Course: Pain usually stops after 2 or 3 days. Peeling usually occurs day 5-7.
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.
Call Your Doctor If:
- Pain becomes severe.
- Sunburn looks infected.
- Your child becomes worse or develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.

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.

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 8/2003

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