Most sunburn is a first-degree burn which turns the skin pink or red
Prolonged sun exposure can cause blistering and a second-degree burn
Sunburn never causes a third-degree burn or scarring
The pain and swelling starts at 4 hours, peaks at 24 hours, and improves after 48 hours
Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If
Your child looks or acts very sick
Passed out or too weak to stand
Blister is present (EXCEPTION: small closed blister < ˝ inch size)
Unable to look at lights because of eye pain
Extremely painful sunburn
Looks infected (e.g., draining pus, red streaks, increasing tenderness after day 2)
Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9 and 4) If
You think your child needs to be seen
Several blisters on the face
Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If
You have other questions or concerns
Parent Care at Home
Mild sunburn and you don’t think your child needs to be seen
Home Care Advice for the Pain of Sunburn
Ibuprofen: Start ibuprofen for pain relief ASAP if age > 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.
Call Your Doctor If
Pain becomes severe
Sunburn looks infected
Your child becomes worse or develops any of the “Call Your Doctor” symptoms
