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Sunburn

Date issued: December 2022 

Review date: December 2024

Ref: A-567/NB/ED/Sunburn

PDF:  Sunburn final December 2022.pdf [pdf] 115KB

What causes sunburn?

Short term overexposure to sun can cause burning. The skin becomes red, hot and painful. After a few days the burnt skin may peel.

Too much sunlight is harmful and can damage the skin and cause cancer.  There are two main types of damaging ultraviolet sunlight: UVA and UVB.  UVA has an effect of ageing the skin and causing wrinkles and other damage to deeper layers of skin. UVB causes sun tanning but also burning. It can also cause other damage to the skin.

How can I treat sunburn?

Keep the area cool. Apply moisturiser or aftersun cream.

Paracetamol is useful to ease pain. It is best to take it regularly for a few days or so, rather than every now and then. An adult dose is two 500 mg tablets, four times a day. A doctor may prescribe additional painkillers such as codeine if the pain is more severe.  If you are prescribed a combination of paracetamol and codeine (e.g., co-codamol or codydramol) then it is important not to take additional paracetamol as you will accidentally overdose

Anti-inflammatory medication can be used with paracetamol or as an alternative. There are many types and brands. They relieve pain and reduce inflammation and swelling (often the cause of the pain). You can buy ibuprofen at pharmacies or supermarkets without a pre-scription. The dose varies depending on your age and other medical problems. Side-effects sometimes occur with anti-inflammatory painkillers. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice regarding them

If pain is not controlled by these simple painkillers, do not exceed the recommended dose but see your general practitioner to discuss the possibility of stronger painkillers.

  • Do not keep touching the burn as this can cause infection.

  • Leave blisters alone, do not burst them as there is a risk of the underlying skin getting infected.

  • Keep the affected area moving if possible.

  • Make sure you drink plenty of fluids and take some paracetamol.

  • If vomiting, fever, and headaches occur this may be due to sunstroke so return to the Emergency Department.

What can I do to prevent sunburn in the future?

If you have had severe sunburn, this will leave you more likely to get burnt again. This increased risk may last several months.

Stay out of the sun as much as possible. In particular, do not sunbathe between 10am and 2pm when the sun’s rays are strongest.

Wear a wide brimmed hat to protect the face and neck.

Cover up the body as much as possible.

Children's skin is more sensitive than adults. They should keep their clothes on whilst playing in the sun. All exposed areas of the body should have high factor (e.g., SPF 50) sunscreen applied. Wide brimmed hats with a neck protector are recommended.

Sunscreens should be applied to all exposed areas of skin. Re-apply it regularly, especially if you are going in and out of water.

Sunscreens are labelled with a sun protection factor (SPF). A factor of 15 or more is recommended for maximum protection. Those which protect against both UVA and UVB are the best. If swimming, use a waterproof sunscreen.

Wear sunglasses as exposure to prolonged sunlight can also damage the eyes.

Remember: SLIP, SLAP, SLOP

  • Slip on some clothes

  • Slap on a hat

  • Slop on sunscreen

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