A sunburn is skin damage from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. Most sunburns cause mild pain and redness but affect only the outer layer of skin. These are usually treated at home. Sunburns that have painful, red blisters may mean that deep skin layers are damaged. These hurt more and take longer to heal.
Sunburns usually cause red, painful skin. The skin may or may not have blisters. If blisters are present, the pain is often worse. You or your child may get a mild fever, headache, or dehydration (the body loses too much fluid).
Most mild sunburns can be treated at home. But severe sunburns–those causing large, deep blisters, severe pain, a fever, or vomiting–should be seen by a doctor. The doctor may put bandages on the skin. Or the doctor may recommend medicine or a topical treatment. Treatment for dehydration may also be needed.
Sunburns usually cause red, painful skin. The skin may or may not have blisters. If blisters are present, the pain is often worse. The doctor may ask about sun exposure, use of indoor tanning, or your symptoms.
Type | Description | Sensitivity |
---|---|---|
I | White or freckled skin | Extremely sensitive: You sunburn very easily and are not likely to tan. |
II | White skin | Very sensitive: You usually sunburn easily and tan a little. |
III | White to olive skin | Sensitive: You sunburn sometimes and tan slowly. |
IV | Light brown skin | Moderately sensitive: You sunburn a little and usually tan well. |
V | Brown skin | Minimally sensitive: You rarely sunburn, and you tan well. |
VI | Dark brown to black skin | Not sensitive: You almost never sunburn, and you tan deeply. |
A sunburn is skin damage from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. Most sunburns cause mild pain and redness but affect only the outer layer of skin. These are usually treated at home. Sunburns that have painful, red blisters may mean that deep skin layers are damaged. These hurt more and take longer to heal.
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
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