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Sunburn first aid    See images

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

First Aid

  • Apply cool baths or cool compresses for 10 to 15 minutes, several times a day. Baking soda in the water may help relieve the pain (small children may become easily chilled, so keep the water tepid).
  • Apply a soothing lotion to the skin.
  • Your physician may prescribe a steroid cream to treat severe sunburn.
  • An over-the-counter pain medication, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin) may be helpful. (Note: aspirin should not be given to children.)

Do Not:

  • DO NOT apply petroleum jelly, ointment, or butter to the sunburn. They make the symptoms worse, and can impede healing.
  • DO NOT wash burned skin with harsh soap.

Call Your Health Care Provider Immediately If:

Ency. home > Injury > S > Sunburn first aid

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