How to prepare for a video visit about Sunburn (Mild to Moderate)

Audience: adult

Mild to moderate sunburn is a common skin injury caused by too much sun exposure. It usually results in red, warm, and sometimes painful skin. Preparing for a video visit about sunburn can help you get the most from your telemedicine appointment. You may be asked to describe your symptoms, show the affected skin areas clearly, and share any treatments you have tried. This visit can help you learn how to care for your skin, reduce discomfort, and avoid further damage. However, serious sunburn symptoms like blisters, fever, or severe pain may need in-person care. Telemedicine can guide you on when to seek emergency help and how to manage mild to moderate sunburn safely at home.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Large blisters or blistering covering a wide area — seek in-person medical care immediately.
• High fever (above 38°C or 100.4°F), chills, or severe headache — contact emergency services or visit a healthcare facility.
• Signs of infection such as increased redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or worsening pain — get urgent medical evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Assessment of mild to moderate sunburn symptoms via video.
• Providing guidance on home care and symptom relief.
• Answering questions about sunburn prevention and skin protection.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Treatment of severe sunburn with extensive blistering or systemic symptoms.
• Diagnosis of skin infections or other complications requiring physical examination.
• Emergency care for sunburn-related heatstroke or severe allergic reactions.

What is Mild to Moderate Sunburn?

Sunburn happens when your skin is damaged by ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or tanning devices. Mild to moderate sunburn usually causes redness, warmth, and tenderness of the skin. You might also feel itching or slight swelling. These symptoms often appear within a few hours after sun exposure and can last several days.

How to Prepare for Your Video Visit

Before your telemedicine appointment, find a quiet, well-lit place with good internet connection. Have your device ready with a working camera and microphone. Remove clothing or jewelry covering the sunburned areas so you can show them clearly. Write down your symptoms, when they started, and any treatments you have used. Be ready to answer questions about your medical history and any allergies.

What to Expect During the Video Visit

Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and may ask you to show the sunburned skin. They will assess the severity and suggest ways to relieve pain and prevent infection. They may recommend over-the-counter creams, cool compresses, and hydration. They will also advise you on how to protect your skin from future sun damage.

When to Seek In-Person Care

If you notice blisters covering a large area, severe pain, fever, chills, headache, confusion, or signs of infection like increased redness or pus, you should seek emergency or in-person care. These symptoms may indicate a more serious condition that needs immediate attention.

Tips for Sunburn Care After Your Visit

Follow your provider's advice carefully. Use gentle skin care products and avoid further sun exposure. Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Avoid tight clothing over the sunburned area. If symptoms worsen or new symptoms appear, contact your healthcare provider promptly.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a quiet, well-lit space with good internet connection.
• Ensure your device camera and microphone work properly.
• Remove clothing covering sunburned areas to show skin clearly.
• Write down your symptoms, when they started, and any treatments used.
• Prepare to share your medical history and any allergies.

After your tele-visit

• Follow recommended skin care instructions provided during the visit.
• Use cool compresses and moisturizers as advised.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
• Avoid further sun exposure and wear protective clothing.
• Monitor symptoms and seek in-person care if red flags develop.

FAQs

Can telemedicine help with all sunburn cases?

Telemedicine is helpful for mild to moderate sunburns where symptoms are manageable at home. However, severe sunburns with extensive blistering, fever, or signs of infection usually require in-person care.

What should I show during my video visit?

You should show the sunburned areas clearly to your healthcare provider. Make sure the lighting is good and the camera focuses well on the affected skin.

How can I relieve sunburn pain at home?

Common home treatments include applying cool compresses, using gentle moisturizers like aloe vera, taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, and staying hydrated.

When should I seek emergency care for sunburn?

Seek emergency care if you have large blisters, severe pain, high fever, chills, confusion, or symptoms of heatstroke. Also, if you notice signs of infection like pus or spreading redness, get urgent medical attention.

Can sunburn cause long-term skin damage?

Repeated sunburns can increase the risk of skin aging and skin cancer over time. Protecting your skin from UV exposure is important to reduce these risks.

Sources

1. Sunburn — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Sunburn: First Aid — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Sunburn — Mayo Clinic.
4. Sunburn: Overview and Treatment — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you have severe symptoms or concerns, seek immediate medical attention.