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Skin Care and Diseases

Severe sunburn

08/23/2006

Question:

My husband has a sunburn. I have never seen this before. The burn is very red, swollen, hot, painful & has white small blotches. I don`t know what to do for him!!

Answer:

If it is severe, it would be advisable to see his physician.

Sunburns often occur from excessive exposure to ultraviolet light. They may also occur if someone is on medications that may make them more sun sensitive or from medications that cause sun induced rashes.

As to treatment, if it is sunburn, the principal damage to the skin has already occurred and the treatment is symptomatic. Cool compresses, over the counter analgesic creams (for example, Lanacane and others), cortisone creams, and aspirin or ibuprofen may be helpful (assuming he is not allergic to any of these or doesn't have medical problems that contraindicate the use of these).

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Response by:

Pranav Sheth, MD Pranav Sheth, MD
Formerly:
College of Medicine
University of Cincinnati