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Sunburn
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Sunburn
, Sun Burn
See Also
Burn Evaluation
Photodermatitis
Drug-induced Photosensitivity
Signs
Sufficient exposure to Ultraviolet Light
Immediate erythema
Occurs within minutes of exposure
Fades within 30 minutes
Delayed erythema
Reappears 3 to 6 hours after exposure
Peaks at 12 to 24 hours
Persists for days
Associated findings
Edema
Vesicle
s
Desquamation
often within 1 week
Management
See
Burn Management
See
Drug-induced Photosensitivity
Treat as minor
Burn Injury
Cool wet compresses applied for 10-30 minutes
Avoid ice due to
Vasocon
striction and increased tissue injury
Oral Analgesic
s
NSAID
s
Acetaminophen
Skin protectants
Skin Lubricant
s (e.g. Eucerin)
Aloe Vera gel may be used if soothing
However, aloe has no evidence-based benefit over other topicals
Consider
Topical Anesthetic
for localized burn (
Lidocaine
preparations such as
Lidocaine
4% patch)
Do not apply to non-intact skin
Avoid Benzocaine preparations (sensitizer)
Avoid ineffective and potentially harmful agents
Avoid topical or
Systemic Corticosteroid
s
Avoid
Topical Antibiotic
s (e.g. neomycin) due to
Contact Dermatitis
risk
Avoid home remedies
Avoid applying butter
Occlusive and may trap heat, increasing
Burn Injury
Avoid apple cider vinegar, buttermilk, lavender oil
No evidence for benefit
Prevention
See
Sunscreen
See
Sun Exposure
Complications
Two Sunburns before age 18 predisposes to
Melanoma
References
(2018) Presc Lett 25(8)
Goroll (2000) Primary Care Medicine, p. 1065-6
Habif (1996) Clinical Dermatology, Mosby, p.602-3
Oakley (2022) Photosensitivity, StatPearls, Treasure Island, FL
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK431072/
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