
July 2019
Sunburn
Sunburn is red, hot and sore skin caused by too much sun. It may flake and peel after a few days. You can treat it yourself. It usually gets better within 7 days.
How to ease sunburn yourself
Do
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get out of the sun as soon as possible
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cool your skin with a cool shower, bath or damp towel (take care not to let a baby or young child get too cold)
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apply aftersun cream or spray, like aloe vera
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drink plenty of water to cool down and prevent dehydration
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take painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen for any pain
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cover sunburnt skin from direct sunlight until skin has fully healed


Don't
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do not use petroleum jelly on sunburnt skin
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do not put ice or ice packs on sunburnt skin
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do not pop any blisters
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do not scratch or try to remove peeling skin
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do not wear tight-fitting clothes over sunburnt skin
See a doctor or go to urgencias if
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your skin is blistered or swollen
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your temperature is very high, or you feel hot and shivery
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you feel very tired, dizzy and sick
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you have a headache and muscle cramps
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your baby or young child has sunburn
Severe sunburn can lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which can be very serious.
