We’ve all been there: a sunny day at the beach, a long afternoon at the park, or simply forgetting to reapply that SPF 70 while having some fun in the sun. By the time you get home, your skin is red, tender, and radiating heat. Hello, sunburn. While many sunburns are manageable with a little aloe and a bit of time, some can leave you wondering if it’s time to get professional care.
Severe sunburns aren’t just uncomfortable; they can lead to complications like dehydration, infections, or even more serious health risks. So, how do you know if your sunburn warrants a trip to urgent care? Let’s break it down.
What Causes Sunburn?
Sunburn occurs when your skin is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or artificial sources, like tanning beds, for an extended period without proper protection. Factors that increase your risk include:
- Prolonged Sun Exposure: Spending extended hours outdoors, especially during peak sun intensity (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), can result in burns.
- Lack of Sunscreen: Not applying sunscreen or using one with an inadequate SPF level increases your risk of sunburn exponentially.
- Fair Skin: People with lighter skin tend to burn easily as their melanin levels are lower. Melanin, the main determinant of skin color, is a pigment that helps to protect skin from UV damage.
- High-Altitude or Reflective Surfaces: Snow, sand, and water can reflect UV rays, intensifying sun exposure.
The Dangers of Sunburn
While sunburn may seem like a temporary issue, its effects can be far-reaching:
- Skin Damage: Peeling, blistering, and long-term changes like premature aging and hyperpigmentation may result.
- Dehydration: Severe burns can draw fluids away from the body, causing hazardous levels of dehydration.
- Heat Exhaustion or Heatstroke: Extended exposure to the sun may also result in heat-related illnesses.
- Skin Cancer Risk: Chronic UV exposure increases the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma.
- Infections: Blistering sunburns can become infected if not properly treated.
How to Prevent Sunburn
Taking proactive steps can help prevent sunburn:
- Apply Sunscreen: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and reapply every two hours (and immediately after swimming or excessive sweating).
- Wear Protective Clothing: Hats, sunglasses, and lightweight, long-sleeved clothing help to provide additional protection.
- Seek Shade: Avoid direct sun exposure, especially during those peak midday hours.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your skin and body hydrated.
- Use Caution Near Reflective Surfaces: Be aware of intensified UV exposure near water, sand, or snow.
Should I Go to Urgent Care for a Sunburn
While mild sunburns heal on their own, certain symptoms warrant a visit to urgent care:
- Severe Pain or Blistering: Large, painful blisters covering a significant portion of the body require medical evaluation.
- Fever or Chills: Sunburn accompanied by fever, chills, or flu-like symptoms could indicate a more severe condition.
- Dehydration: Symptoms like dizziness, dry mouth, or reduced urination suggest dehydration requiring medical attention.
- Signs of Infection: Blisters that ooze pus, become red, or are surrounded by swelling may be infected.
- Persistent Symptoms: If your sunburn shows no improvement after a few days, it’s time to seek medical help.
How FirstCare Can Help with a Sunburn
The specialists at FirstCall Medical Center can provide relief and effective treatment for severe sunburns. Here’s how they can assist:
- Burn Care: Our providers can clean and dress blistered areas to prevent infection and promote healing.
- Pain Management: Medications or topical creams may be prescribed to alleviate pain and inflammation.
- Infection Control: Antibiotics may be prescribed if blisters show signs of infection.
- Guidance for Recovery: Urgent care can offer advice on managing symptoms and preventing future sunburns.
If you’re experiencing severe pain, blistering, dehydration, or other worrisome symptoms after a sunburn, visiting urgent care is the right step. The doctors at FirstCall Medical Center can deliver expert care to alleviate discomfort and promote healing, ensuring a smoother recovery.
