SUNBURN |
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General Information
DEFINITION--Skin inflammation and damage that follows overexposure to the sun, sun lamps or occupational light sources.
First-degree burn consists of mild redness.
Second-degree burn has redness and blisters.
Third-degree burn includes redness, blisters and skin ulceration. Sunburn is common in athletes because of frequent exposure to sunlight for long periods.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Red, swollen, painful, blistered and sometimes ulcerated skin.
Chills and fever.
Nausea and vomiting (severe burns).
Delirium (severe, extensive burns) accompanied by fever and dehydration.
Tanning or peeling of the skin after recovery, depending on severity of the burn.
CAUSES & RISK FACTORSExcess exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. The following factors make a person more susceptible to sunburn:
Genetic factors, especially fair skin, blue eyes, and red or blonde hair.
Use of drugs, including sulfa, tetracyclines, amoxicillin or oral contraceptives.
HOW TO PREVENT
Avoid sun exposure from 12 noon to 3 p.m.
Use a sun-block preparation for outdoor activity. Products with a sun-protective value of 10 or more protect almost totally. Reapply after swimming or after prolonged exposure. Baby oil, mineral oil or cocoa butter offer no protection from the sun.
For maximum protection, use a physical- barrier agent such as zinc-oxide ointment. Reapply after swimming and at frequent intervals during exposure. Barrier agents are especially helpful on skin areas that are most susceptible to burns, such as the nose, ears, backs of the legs and back of the neck.
If you rarely burn, you may use a sunscreen product that permits tanning and provides minimal protection.
Wear clothes that have muted colors such as tan to protect skin from sun. Avoid brilliant colors and whites, which reflect the sun into your face.
If you insist on tanning, limit your sun exposure on the 1st day to 5 or 10 minutes on each side. Add 5 minutes per side each day.
Some reports suggest that aspirin taken before sun exposure will prevent or reduce the harmful effects of sunlight--including burns.
WHAT TO EXPECT
DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES
Your own observation of symptoms.
Medical history and exam by a doctor.
NORMAL COURSE OF ILLNESSRecovery in 3 days to 3 weeks, depending on the severity of the sunburn.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Skin changes leading to skin cancer, including life-threatening malignant melanoma.
Keratoses, premalignant skin lesions.
Premature wrinkling and loss of skin elasticity.
Temporary delirium in worst cases.
Triggering of a variety of sun-damage-related disorders, such as erythema multiforme, vitiligo, heatstroke, porphyria, lupus erythematosus or sun poisoning.
HOW TO TREAT
NOTE -- Follow your doctor's instructions. These instructions are supplemental.
MEDICAL TREATMENTA doctor's care will be necessary for severe burns and for complications of sunburn.
HOME TREATMENT
To reduce heat and pain, dip gauze or towels in cool water and lay these on the burn.
After skin swelling subsides, apply cold cream or baby lotion.
For badly blistered skin, apply a light coating of petroleum jelly. This prevents anything from sticking to the blisters.
MEDICATION
Use non-prescription drugs, such as aspirin or acetaminophen, to relieve pain and reduce fever. Non-prescription burn remedies that contain benzocaine or lidocaine may be useful, but they produce allergic reactions in some.
Your doctor may prescribe pain relievers or cortisone drugs to use briefly.
ACTIVITYRest in any comfortable position until fever and discomfort diminish. Keep bed sheets off burned skin by making an upside-down "cradle" or tent of cardboard or other material.
DIETNo special diet. Increase fluid intake.
CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF
The following occurs after sunburn:
Oral temperature spikes to 101F (38.3C).
Vomiting or diarrhea occurs.
Delirium begins.
Pain and fever persist longer than 48 hours.
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