Home
General Info
Location / Hours
Appointments
Services:
Health Info
Dietitian
Women's Health
Men's Health
Pharmacy
Physical Therapy
The USU Student Body
Something we think that you should know about:
Sunburn
What is Sunburn?
Sunburn is a thermal injury to the skin that is caused by exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun or from a tanning bed or similar source. Sunburn can occur very rapidly, depending on the location of the sun and the tolerance of your skin.
Its Nothing Serious, Right?
Any burn is a potentially serious injury to your skin. Sunburn is generally only serious if the burn gets infected. First degree burns cause pain and redness to the skin, may cause some swelling, and do not cause any blistering or scarring. This is the most common burn caused by the sun.
Second degree burns cause painful blistering of the skin, but do not damage all of the layers of the skin. They do not cause any significant scarring unless they become infected. Blisters that are not broken are usually left intact unless they are very large or are in a location that will surely cause their rupture. Broken blisters should have the dead skin removed to help prevent infection. It is unusual to have more than a second-degree burn from the sun.
Be especially careful of burns over the movable joints of your body. These tend to dry out, crack and split, which delays healing and increases pain. Scars may result, which could impair movement.
Treatment
Minor sunburns are treated with cool compresses, pain medications (aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or a prescription pain medicine), and elevation of the affected part, to reduce the symptoms. Do not apply ice directly to the skin, as further damage may result. Skin moisturizing lotions or aloe vera are fine for first-degree burns, but topical anesthetics ("'caines") should be avoided.
Minor second-degree burns should be gently washed three times a day (soap and water is fine), and a burn cream and dressing should be applied (Neosporin or Polysporin is O.K. for small burns). Your last tetanus shot should be within five years.
Healing
Within one or two days, the symptoms should be resolving, and a mild peeling may occur. Do not pick or scratch loose skin or blisters, or an infection may result. If itching is severe, take diphenhydramine (Benedryl) capsules in an appropriate dose.
Things to Watch Out For
If fever, increased drainage or any problems develop, notify your clinician immediately. Otherwise, follow-up with the Student Health Center as instructed to help encourage adequate healing and minimize complications.
Copyright 2001-2004 Utah State University, Logan UT 84322, (435) 797-1000