You should never get sunburned. It is not healthy, and it leads to premature aging, wrinkling of the skin and skin cancer. Sunburn is caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. This can be from the sun, sunlamps or even from some workplace light sources (e.g., welding arcs). Sunburn results in red, swollen, painful and sometimes blistered skin. Chills, fever, nausea and vomiting can occur if the sunburn is extensive and severe. Most sunburn is minor, but you should seek medical help if the sunburn is severe, covers more than one-fourth of your body, or involves extensive blistering.
The risk for sunburn is increased if you have the following condition(s):
- Persons with fair skin, blue eyes and red or blond hair
- Persons taking some medications including sulfa drugs, tetracyclines, some diuretics and even Benadryl (an over-the-counter antihistamine)
- Persons exposed to industrial UV light sources
- Persons exposed to excessive outdoor sunlight
Sunburn can be prevented by using the following measures:
- Avoid the sun’s rays between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
- Use sunblock with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or more when exposed to the sun. The lighter your skin, the higher the SPF number should be. To be effective, sunscreen should be reapplied every hour and after swimming. Makeup is now available with sunscreening protection.
- Wear muted colors such as tan. Brilliant colors and white reflect the sun onto the face. Clothing is now available with sunscreening protection.
- Wear a hat when in the sun.
| Questions to Ask… | YES | NO |
| Are there any signs, even temporary ones of… Dehydration, Confusion, Very little or no urine output, Sunken eyes, Wrinkled or saggy skin, Extreme dryness in the mouth |
Seek emergency care | Go to next question |
| Do you have a fever of 102 degrees Fahrenheit or higher or have severe pain or blistering with the sunburn? | Seek a Doctor | Provide Self-Care |
Self-Care Procedures:
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Wellness Proposals