Consumer Information

Sunburn

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What is sunburn?

Sunburn is a condition where your skin is damaged by increased exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Your skin covers your whole body and protects it from germs and harsh environments. UV radiation comes from sunlight and special devices such as tanning beds. It is invisible rays of light that may be very harmful to your body. Too much UV radiation may damage your skin cells, and the DNA inside them. DNA is little pieces of information that tell your cells how to grow and what to do.
When cells are damaged, they may repair themselves, or die and peel off. When DNA is damaged, abnormal cells may grow and become cancer cells. When you have skin cancer, wounds or growths may appear on your skin. Cancer cells may also spread to other parts of your body such as your organs. Your risk of getting skin cancer is increased if you had many sunburns as a child. Treating your sunburn may decrease symptoms such as pain, redness, and swelling. Following ways to prevent sunburn may decrease your risk of getting skin cancer later on.

What causes sunburn? Sunburn occurs when your uncovered skin is under UV rays for a period of time. Different people can take different amounts of UV radiation before their skin gets damaged. Some people can stay under the sun for long periods of time without getting sunburned, while others cannot. The following increases your risk of getting a sunburn:

Medicines: Certain medicines may make you more sensitive to sunlight. Talk to your caregiver to learn more about what medicines may increase your risk of sunburn.
Prolonged exposure: The longer your skin is under UV rays, the higher your risk is of getting sunburned. This includes being outside under the sun or under UV lights in a tanning bed.
Skin tone: Having very light or pale skin increases your risk of sunburn.
Time of day: Between 10 AM and 3 PM, the sun is hotter and puts out more UV radiation.
Unprotected skin: Spending time under UV rays without protecting your skin with sunscreen or clothing increases your risk for sunburn.

What are the signs and symptoms of sunburn? Your signs and symptoms may appear while you are under the UV rays. They may also appear a few hours after your exposure. Your symptoms may become worse 12 to 24 hours later. Your skin may have any of the following:

Blisters.
Itchiness.
Pain or a burning feeling.
Peeling and flaking.
Redness.
Swelling, and a feeling of tightness.

How is sunburn diagnosed? Your caregiver will ask about your symptoms and how bad they are. He may ask how often and how long you stay under the sun or inside tanning beds. He may also ask if you wear sunscreen or clothing to protect yourself from the sun. He will do a physical exam to check your sunburned areas. He may ask if anyone in your family sunburns easily or if anyone has a history of skin cancer. Tell your caregiver if you are taking any medicines, or have any other health conditions.

How is sunburn treated? You will need to stay away from things that give off UV rays. This includes the sun, tanning beds, and heat lamps. You may need any of the following to decrease your symptoms:

Cool compresses and oatmeal soaks in cool water: These are put on your skin to decrease pain, redness, and itching. Ask your caregiver how to prepare these.
Medicines: Medicines may help decrease pain, redness, and swelling. They may also help your skin heal faster. You may be given any of the following:
- Acetaminophen: This medicine may help to decrease pain. Taking too much acetaminophen can hurt your liver. Read labels so that you know the active ingredients in each medicine that you take. Talk to your caregiver before taking more than one medicine that contains acetaminophen. Ask your caregiver before taking over-the-counter medicine if you are also taking pain medicine prescribed (ordered) for you.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine (NSAIDs): This medicine may be swallowed as a pill, or used as a lotion to rub on sunburned areas. This medicine can be bought with or without a doctor's order. This medicine can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. Always read the medicine label and follow the directions on it before using this medicine.
- Steroids: This medicine may be swallowed as a pill, or used as a lotion to rub on sunburned areas. Follow your caregiver's instructions on how often to use this medicine.
Moisturizing lotions or gels: This includes products such as aloe vera, petroleum jelly, or certain ointments. These may help cool your skin and decrease pain and redness. Talk to your caregiver about what products would be best for you to use.

How can I avoid having sunburn?

Do drink water to prevent dehydration when you are under UV rays. Dehydration is a condition where your body loses too much water. You may have dehydration if you stay under the sun too long, or you do not drink enough liquids. You may have a dry mouth and feel very thirsty. You may feel weak, have headaches, and problems thinking. Dehydration can cause other serious health problems including death.
Do stay indoors or in the shade during the day when the sun is the hottest. This will help you avoid harmful UV rays.
Do talk to your caregiver about antioxidant supplements, such as vitamins A, C, and E. Some caregivers believe these supplements may help protect your skin against UV radiation.
Do wear clothing that will block UV rays. This includes dark, loose clothing made of a tight weave fabric. You may also wear pants, long-sleeved shirts, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses. Get your child the same protective clothing to decrease the risk of UV rays reaching his skin.
Do wear sunscreen to protect your skin against UV rays. Most sunscreens are safe for adults and children six months old and older. Use sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. Put enough sunscreen on parts of your body that will be under the sunlight. Put sunscreen on 15 to 30 minutes before going outside, and again every two hours. You will need to put sunscreen on again after you swim, sweat, or dry yourself with a towel. Some sunscreens may cause an allergic response which may make your skin red and itchy. Tell your caregiver if you have an allergic response after using sunscreen.
Do not stay in tanning beds for long periods of time.

When should I call my caregiver: Call your caregiver if:

You have a fever.
Your skin and mouth are very dry, and you feel very thirsty.
You have questions or concerns about your condition, treatment, or care.

When should I seek immediate help? Call 911 or seek care immediately if:

You feel dizzy, weak, or faint.
You have new headaches that do not go away with medicine.
You have problems thinking or remembering things.
Your skin has many blisters, which break or bleed.

Where can I find more information? Contact the following for more information:

The Skin Cancer Foundation
245 5th Avenue, Suite 1403
New York, NY 10016
Phone: 1-800-754-6490
Web Address: www.skincancer.org

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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