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

• get out of the sun as soon as possible

• cool your skin with a cool shower, bath or damp towel (take care not to let a baby or young child get too cold)

• apply aftersun cream or spray, like aloe vera

• drink plenty of water to cool down and prevent dehydration

• take painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen for any pain

• cover sunburnt skin from direct sunlight until skin has fully healed

Don't

• do not use petroleum jelly on sunburnt skin

• do not put ice or ice packs on sunburnt skin

• do not pop any blisters

• do not scratch or try to remove peeling skin

• do not wear tight-fitting clothes over sunburnt skin

See a doctor or go to urgencias if

​

• your skin is blistered or swollen

• your temperature is very high, or you feel hot and shivery

• you feel very tired, dizzy and sick

• you have a headache and muscle cramps

• your baby or young child has sunburn

Severe sunburn can lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which can be very serious.