Sunburn First Aid

Sunburn First Aid

From the library of

Frank Barnhill M.D.

Sunburn is one of the most common reasons for summertime visits to the beach or mountain emergency room or urgent care center. A little prevention by using a waterproof sunscreen spf 25 or higher, that covers both UV-A and UV-B rays, will go a long way in helping you to get the most out of your family vacation.

However, if sunburn occurs, a simple three step first aid may be effective in self treatment of first degree burns. This type of sunburn is red and there are no blisters. If blisters are present, then further medical attention may be necessary, to avoid scarring.

Here’s the three step plan:

Apply cool compresses to the burn area as soon as possible and leave on the reddened skin for 45 to 60 minutes. Do not use ice directly on the skin as this may cause further damage to underlying tissues.
Crush 10 regular ADVIL or ibuprofen tablets, and use the powder to make a paste to apply to the red areas for at least two hours. This will help relieve the pain and reduce redness and inflammation.
Shower in cool (not cold) water, to remove the paste. Then, apply a good moisturizing cream with aloe, cocoa butter, and vitamin E.

Lastly, use common sense when returning to your outdoors activities.

Dr. Frank

These health tips are offered for your common sense use and are not intended to take the place of a visit to your doctor. Your use of the materials implies your understanding that nothing herein contained represents individual medical advice.

drhuggiebear, drhuggiebear.com and contained materials are the copyrighted and/or registered properties of Frank Barnhill, M.D. and may not be reproduced for profit without the express written permission of the author. All materials may be photocopied in whole for educational use. For information please contact us at drfrank@drhuggiebear.com.