Sunburn Treatment Clinic Q&A

Sunburns can be red, and painful and the skin can be hot to the touch. Sunburns appear within as little as a few hours when exposed to too much ultraviolet (UV) light from sunshine or artificial sources, such as sunbeds. Some home remedies can provide sunburn relief, but sunburns can take days to fade and may need medical intervention if it’s severe.

First-degree sunburn is diagnosed by a medical professional when the skin’s outermost layers become damaged from the sun. When suffering from first-degree sunburn, you may notice the following signs and symptoms:

• Redness
• Warm or tight feeling
• Swelling or blistering
• Soreness

Second-degree sunburns are medically diagnosed as the most severe and dangerous sunburn to be diagnosed with. It can happen the same as a first-degree sunburn, but being exposed to ultraviolet sunlight longer where can penetrate the outer layer of your skin it to damage the below layer that is called the dermis.

Second-degree sunburn can show signs and symptoms including:

• Skin that is red
• Swelling and/or blistering over the body
• Wet-looking or even shiny-looking skin
• Painful
• White discoloration on your skin

Any degree of sunburn is considered serious. While second-degree sunburns are considered some of the most severe, anyone dealing with sunburns should seek out medical treatment.

If an infant or child starts to show signs or symptoms of sunburn, you should seek medical attention immediately. Sunburn to them can cause extensive external damage as well as internal damage to their fragile bodies, as it can be much harder to regulate heat and their skin is very fragile at a young age.

If you are showing signs or symptoms of sunburn, regardless of the degree or severity, visit Priority Urgent Care for a diagnosis and treatment. Our top-rated healthcare professionals are here to help you when you need it most.

Most people don’t realize that skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. The good news is that skin cancer is very preventable.

Sunburn Prevention Tips:

• Always apply sunscreen. Dermatologists recommend SPF 30 to 50; re-apply every 90 minutes.
• Wear protective clothes, hats, and UV-protective sunglasses. The eyes are particularly sensitive to UV radiation.
• Avoid the sun during high noon hours. If possible, avoid the sun between 10 AM and 2 PM.
• Beware of sand and snow! Sand reflects up to 20 percent, and snow reflects up to 80% of the sun’s rays, so it’s important to always wear good sunscreen at the beach or on the ski slopes.

Sunburn Symptom Relief:

• Assess the damage. Sunburns can range from mild to severe, some resulting in blisters.
• Moisturize after a cool shower. Apply moisturizer cream or lotion that contains Vitamins C and E to the affected areas. Repeat this routine 2-3 times a day to avoid peeling or flaking.
• Hydrate. When our skin is badly sunburned, there is extra fluid loss from the skin. Drink the proper amount of water to replace the fluids lost, and to also help cool down the skin.

If you or someone you know has been sunburned, please visit Priority Urgent Care to be seen by a board-certified physician 7 days a week with no appointment necessary. We serve patients from Ellington CT, Unionville CT, East Haven CT, Cromwell CT, Oxford, CT and Newington, CT, and BEYOND!