Sunburn

Emergencies

Yes	Do you have any of the following symptoms that require emergency treatment? Call 911 or other emergency services immediately.

• Signs of shock occur:
  • In an adult.
  • In a child.
• A severe allergic reaction occurs with difficulty breathing or swelling of the mouth or throat.
• Signs of heatstroke occur, including:
  • Unconsciousness that lasts longer than 1 minute.
  • Convulsions (seizure).
  • Signs of moderate to severe difficulty breathing.
  • An elevated temperature after exposure to a hot environment.
  • Confusion, severe restlessness, or anxiety.
  • Rapid heartbeat.
  • Sweating that may be heavy or may have stopped.
  • Skin that may be red, hot, and dry, even in the armpits.
  • Severe vomiting and diarrhea.
• Signs of severe dehydration occur after being in the sun too long:
  • In an adult.
  • In a child.

Note:

After calling 911 or other emergency services, begin emergency first aid treatment if emergency medical personnel are not going to arrive soon.

Check Your Symptoms

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, click on the "Yes" in front of the question for information about how soon to see a health professional.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Note: If you have any of the following symptoms, evaluate those symptoms first.

• Heat exhaustion: Go to the topic Heat-Related Illnesses.
• Hives or other symptoms of an allergic reaction: Go to the topic Allergic Reaction.

Yes	Do your eyes hurt, or do you have new vision problems?
Yes	Do you have a fever and other symptoms?
Yes	Do you have symptoms of mild to moderate dehydration?
Yes	Do you think you have a skin infection?
Yes	Do you have pain from a sunburn?
Yes	Are you taking a medicine that may cause you to sunburn easily?
Yes	Do you have blisters from a sunburn?

Other Symptoms to Watch For

Do you have the following symptom?

• Skin changes and a history of sunburns: Go to the topic Skin Changes.

If a visit to a health professional is not needed immediately, see the Home Treatment section for self-care information.

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Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: December 28, 2007
Medical Review:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology
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