Sunburn
When to seek medical advice
Source: NHS
In this topic (7)
You should contact your GP, attend an NHS walk-in centre , or call NHS 111 for advice if you feel unwell or have any concerns about your sunburn, particularly if you are burnt over a large area or have any of the more severe symptoms listed below.
You should also see your GP if a young child or baby has sunburn, as their skin is particularly fragile.
Signs of severe sunburn can include:
- blistering or swelling of the skin ( oedema )
- chills
- a high temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4F) or above,or 37.5C (99.5F) or above in children under five
- dizziness, headaches and feeling sick ( symptoms of heat exhaustion )
Your GP may recommend using hydrocortisone cream for a few days (this is also available over the counter at pharmacies) to reduce the inflammation of your skin.
Severe sunburn may require special burn cream and burn dressings from your GP or a nurse at your GP surgery. Very occasionally, hospital treatment may be needed.
Articles for Sunburn
Advice for babies and children
Children aged under six months should be kept out of direct strong sunlight. From March to October in the UK, children should: cover up with suitable clothing spend time in the shade (particularly
Dangers of UV rays
The short-term risks of sun exposure are sunburn and sun allergy . The longer-term risks (over decades) include: actinic (solar) keratoses rough and scaly pre-cancerous spots on the skin skin ca
Introduction
Sunburn is skin damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays. It usually causes the skin to become red, sore, warm, tender and occasionally itchy for about a week.
Preventing sunburn
Skin should be protected from strong sunlight by covering up with suitable clothing, seeking shade and applying sunscreen. In the UK, the risk of getting sunburnt is highest from March to October, pa
What to do if you're sunburnt
If you or your child has sunburn, you should get out of the sun as soon as possible head indoors or into a shady area. You can usually treat mild sunburn at home, although there are some circumstance
When to seek medical advice
You should contact your GP, attend an NHS walk-in centre , or call NHS 111 for advice if you feel unwell or have any concerns about your sunburn, particularly if you are burnt over a large area or h
Who's at risk of sunburn?
Everyone who is exposed to UV light is at risk of getting sunburn, although some people are more vulnerable than others. You should take extra care when out in the sun if you: have pale, white or l