Red Flags & When to Go In Person for Sunburn (Mild to Moderate)

Audience: adult

Mild to moderate sunburn is common and usually heals on its own with simple care. It causes redness, pain, and sometimes swelling or blisters on the skin after too much sun exposure. Most people can manage these symptoms at home by keeping the skin cool, hydrated, and protected from further sun damage. Telemedicine can help by providing advice on symptom relief and when to watch for warning signs. However, some symptoms require in-person medical care. These include severe pain, large blisters, signs of infection, fever, or symptoms affecting your overall health. Knowing these red flags can help you decide when to seek urgent care. This guide explains what telemedicine can and cannot do for sunburn, how to prepare for a virtual visit, and what to do afterward. Always remember that telemedicine advice is not a substitute for in-person evaluation when serious symptoms occur.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe pain that does not improve with home care — seek urgent medical evaluation.
• Large or spreading blisters or skin peeling — may need in-person treatment.
• Signs of infection such as increased redness, warmth, pus, or swelling — get prompt medical care.

What telemedicine can do

• Advice on symptom relief for mild to moderate sunburn.
• Guidance on hydration, moisturizing, and pain management.
• Assessment of symptoms through patient description and visual inspection if video is available.
• Education on sun protection and prevention.
• Determining if symptoms require in-person evaluation.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Physical examination to assess severity and complications.
• Treatment of severe sunburn or large blisters.
• Management of infections requiring prescription antibiotics.
• Emergency care for systemic symptoms like fever or fainting.
• Procedures such as wound care or intravenous fluids.

What Is Mild to Moderate Sunburn?

Sunburn happens when your skin gets too much ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun or tanning devices. Mild to moderate sunburn usually causes red, tender skin that may feel warm or tight. You might notice swelling or small blisters. These symptoms often appear a few hours after sun exposure and can last several days. The skin may peel as it heals. Sunburn damages skin cells and can increase the risk of skin problems later in life, so protecting your skin is important.

Common Symptoms and Home Care

Typical signs of mild to moderate sunburn include redness, pain, swelling, and sometimes blisters. You may also feel tired or have mild headache. To care for sunburn at home:

Avoid breaking blisters, as this can lead to infection.

When to Seek In-Person Medical Care

Some sunburn symptoms need prompt medical attention. Go to a healthcare facility if you experience:

These symptoms may require treatments like prescription medications or fluids.

How Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine providers can offer advice on managing mild to moderate sunburn symptoms, recommend over-the-counter treatments, and help you watch for warning signs. They can guide you on hydration, pain relief, and skin care. Telemedicine is useful for follow-up questions or if you are unsure about your symptoms. However, telemedicine cannot perform physical exams or provide emergency care, so in-person visits are needed if serious symptoms develop.

Preparing for Your Telemedicine Visit

To get the most from your virtual visit:

This helps the provider give clear advice.

After Your Telemedicine Visit

Follow the care plan given by your provider. Monitor your symptoms closely. If your condition worsens or you develop any red flags, seek in-person medical care immediately. Keep your skin protected from the sun to prevent further damage. Use recommended moisturizers and pain relief as advised. If you have questions or new symptoms, contact your healthcare provider again.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• List your symptoms and when they began.
• Note any treatments or medications you have used.
• Find a well-lit area to show affected skin if video is used.
• Prepare questions about your condition and care.
• Ensure your device has a reliable internet connection.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the care instructions provided by your telemedicine provider.
• Keep the sunburned skin cool and moisturized.
• Avoid sun exposure until the skin heals.
• Watch for worsening symptoms or new red flags.
• Seek in-person care immediately if red flags develop.

FAQs

Can I treat sunburn at home without seeing a doctor?

Yes, mild to moderate sunburn often heals with home care such as cooling the skin, moisturizing, staying hydrated, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers. However, if symptoms are severe or worsen, you should seek medical advice.

When should I go to the emergency room for sunburn?

Go to the emergency room if you have severe pain, large blisters, signs of infection (like pus or spreading redness), fever, confusion, fainting, or sunburn affecting sensitive areas such as your face or eyes.

Can telemedicine providers prescribe medication for sunburn?

Telemedicine providers can recommend over-the-counter treatments and may prescribe medications if appropriate based on your symptoms. However, they cannot perform physical exams or treat severe complications that require in-person care.

How can I prevent sunburn in the future?

Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, wear protective clothing, seek shade especially during peak sun hours, and avoid tanning beds. Reapply sunscreen every two hours or after swimming or sweating.

Is peeling skin after sunburn normal?

Yes, peeling is part of the natural healing process as your skin sheds damaged cells. Avoid picking at peeling skin to reduce the risk of infection.

Sources

1. Sunburn - MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Sunburn: First Aid - Mayo Clinic — Mayo Clinic.
3. Sunburn - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
4. Sunburn - Merck Manuals Consumer Version — Merck & Co., Inc..

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical evaluation and treatment. If you experience severe symptoms or red flags, seek immediate medical care.