Sunburn
What are the treatments for the injury?
The treatments for sunburn include:
cool baths
cool compresses, which are wet cloths applied to areas of skin
irritation
avoidance of repeated sun exposure
soothing lotions and creams
over-the-counter creams containing numbing agents
Some healthcare providers will prescribe a corticosteroid cream to speed up
the healing process for people with severe sunburn.
For people with severe burns, blisters can sometimes rupture
and become infected. If the ruptured blisters look infected, it is important to
seek treatment.
What are the side effects of the treatments?
Placing people, especially small or thin people, in cool baths can cause them
to become chilled very easily. It is important not to allow the water to
become too cool. Some of the lotions and ointments used for the
treatment of sunburn pain can cause an
allergic reaction in the affected area.
What happens after treatment for the injury?
Most sunburns heal within 10 to 14 days if further sun exposure is
avoided. It is important to realize that progressive sun exposure increases
the risk for developing certain skin cancers, such as melanoma. Therefore, people with multiple sunburns
or a history of significant sun exposure should be checked frequently by a
healthcare provider for suspicious skin lesions.
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