Sunburn
What it is
- Skin damage from too much ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. It can range from mild redness to painful blistering.
Symptoms
- Red, warm, tender skin 2–6 hours after sun; peaks at 24 hours.
- Swelling, tightness, and sometimes blisters.
- Fever, chills, headache, nausea in severe cases (sun poisoning).
Immediate care
- Get out of the sun right away and into shade.
- Cool the skin: cool showers, damp cool compresses 10–15 minutes several times a day.
- Moisturize: apply a gentle, fragrance-free lotion or aloe gel; for very dry/tight skin, use a thicker cream or petrolatum.
- Pain/fever: acetaminophen or ibuprofen as directed.
- Hydrate: drink extra water for 48 hours.
- Blisters: do not pop. If they open, wash gently, apply petroleum jelly, and cover with a nonstick bandage.
When to seek care
- Extensive blistering, severe pain, confusion, fainting, persistent fever, signs of dehydration, or infection (increasing redness, pus, streaking).
- Sunburn on infants under 6 months—call your clinician.
Prevention next time
- Broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen, applied generously and reapplied every 2 hours and after swimming/sweating.
- Protective clothing and hats; seek shade 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Avoid tanning beds.
Skin peeling and healing
- Peeling is part of healing and may itch—don’t pick. Keep moisturizing. New skin will be more sensitive; protect it carefully.
Heat Rash (Prickly Heat, Miliaria)
What it is
- Tiny, itchy or prickly bumps when sweat ducts get blocked, trapping sweat under the skin. Common in hot, humid weather and under tight clothing.
Symptoms
- Small red or clear bumps, prickling/itching or stinging.
- Appears in covered, sweaty areas: neck, chest, back, under breasts, groin, elbow creases.
- In babies, often in skin folds or where clothing/blankets trap heat.
Care at home
- Cool down: move to a cooler place; use fans/AC; take cool showers.
- Keep skin dry: loose, breathable clothing; avoid heavy creams on sweaty areas.
- Soothe: calamine lotion or lightweight fragrance-free moisturizers; oral antihistamines at night for itch if needed.
- Avoid further friction and heat until clear.
When to see a clinician
- If rash becomes painful, very red, swollen, has pus, or you develop fever (possible infection).
- If it doesn’t improve in a few days with cooling and dryness.
Prevention
- Stay cool and dry; choose moisture-wicking fabrics.
- Take breaks in shade/AC; keep skin folds dry; consider absorbent powders (talc-free).