First Aid for Sunburn

Causes
Ultraviolet rays from the sun, sun lamps and on rare occasions certain types of radiation.
Signs and Symptoms
Reddening of the skin, pain in the associated area and in cases of severe sunburn blistering of the skin.
Treatment

• Cooling the skin with a tepid shower/bath or with towels soaked in cold water for no more than ten minutes. This cooling process can be repeated if it is comforting for the casualty, but for no more than ten minutes at a time.
• Ensure the casualty keeps drinking water, particularly if they are a child as dehydration can quickly lead to heat exhaustion.*
• Keep the casualty out of direct sunlight until the skin heals. Bear in mind bodies of water such as swimming pools and the sea can powerfully reflect the sun’s rays.
• Discourage the casualty from picking, peeling or scratching the sun burned area.
• In cases of mild sunburn (where there is no blistering), after the casualties skin has completely cooled down, you may apply chamomile lotion, after-sun or aloe vera gel. These can comfort, reduce swelling and promote healing.
• In cases of severe sunburn (where there is blistering) do not apply any lotions to the blistered area, do not burst the blisters and seek medical advice if concerned.

*Heat exhaustion can come on suddenly following exposure to the sun, the casualty may have a raised temperature, feel sick, dizzy, experience a headache or stomach ache and could even collapse or faint.

Severe sunburn with blistering and peeling skin.