What happens after a telemedicine visit for Sunburn (Mild to Moderate)

Audience: adult

After a telemedicine visit for mild to moderate sunburn, you will usually receive advice on how to care for your skin at home. This often includes recommendations to keep the skin cool and moisturized, avoid further sun exposure, and take over-the-counter pain relievers if needed. Your healthcare provider may suggest specific creams or lotions to help soothe the skin. It is important to follow these instructions carefully to help your skin heal and reduce discomfort. You may also be advised to watch for signs of worsening, such as increased redness, swelling, blistering, or fever. If any of these occur, you should seek in-person medical care promptly. Telemedicine can provide helpful guidance for managing mild to moderate sunburn but cannot replace hands-on examination when symptoms are severe or complications develop.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Development of large, painful blisters requiring medical attention.
• Signs of infection such as increased redness, swelling, pus, or warmth around the sunburned area.
• Fever, chills, dizziness, confusion, or severe pain not relieved by over-the-counter medications.

What telemedicine can do

• Assessment of mild to moderate sunburn symptoms via video or photos.
• Providing guidance on home care and symptom management.
• Monitoring progress and advising when to seek in-person care.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Treatment of severe sunburn with extensive blistering or infection.
• Management of sunburn complications requiring physical examination or procedures.
• Emergency care for systemic symptoms such as high fever or confusion.

Understanding Your Sunburn

Mild to moderate sunburn usually causes redness, warmth, and some pain on the skin. It happens when your skin has been exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or tanning devices. Your telemedicine provider will assess your symptoms and skin condition through video or photos to confirm the severity and offer advice.

Home Care Recommendations

After your visit, you will likely be advised to:

When to Seek In-Person Care

If your symptoms worsen or you develop new signs, it is important to seek in-person medical care. These signs include:

Follow-Up and Monitoring

Your healthcare provider may suggest a follow-up telemedicine visit or recommend you contact them if your symptoms do not improve within a few days. Monitoring your skin’s healing process and any new symptoms helps ensure complications are avoided.

Preventing Future Sunburns

Your provider may also discuss ways to protect your skin in the future, such as:

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Have a clear, well-lit area to show the affected skin during the telemedicine visit.
• Prepare a list of your symptoms, including when they started and any treatments you have tried.
• Have a list of any medications or allergies ready to share with your provider.
• Ensure a stable internet connection and a device with video capability.
• Be ready to describe your recent sun exposure and any protective measures used.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the home care advice provided by your telemedicine provider.
• Use recommended moisturizers and pain relievers as directed.
• Avoid further sun exposure until your skin has healed.
• Monitor your symptoms daily and note any changes or worsening.
• Contact your healthcare provider or seek in-person care if red flags develop.

FAQs

Can I use any moisturizer on my sunburn?

It is best to use gentle, fragrance-free moisturizers or products containing aloe vera to soothe sunburned skin. Avoid creams with alcohol or strong fragrances as they may irritate your skin further.

When can I go back outside after a sunburn?

You should avoid sun exposure until your skin has healed, which typically takes several days. When you do go outside, protect your skin with sunscreen, clothing, and shade to prevent further damage.

Is it normal for sunburned skin to peel?

Yes, peeling is a common part of the healing process after a sunburn. It indicates that your skin is shedding damaged cells. Avoid picking at peeling skin to prevent infection.

Can I take pain relievers for sunburn pain?

Yes, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce pain and inflammation. Follow the dosing instructions on the package or as advised by your healthcare provider.

When should I contact a healthcare provider after a telemedicine visit?

Contact your provider if your symptoms worsen, if you develop blisters, signs of infection, fever, or if you have any concerns about your recovery.

Sources

1. Sunburn — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Sunburn: First Aid — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Sunburn - Symptoms and causes — Mayo Clinic.
4. Sunburn — 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, please seek direct evaluation by a healthcare professional.