What Happens After a Telemedicine Visit for Sunburn (Mild to Moderate) in Children

Audience: pediatric

After a telemedicine visit for mild to moderate sunburn in children, caregivers will usually receive advice on how to care for the skin at home. This often includes using cool compresses, applying moisturizing lotions or aloe vera, and giving pain relief medicines like acetaminophen or ibuprofen if needed. It's important to keep the child hydrated and avoid further sun exposure while the skin heals. Most mild sunburns improve within a few days without complications. However, caregivers should watch for signs that need urgent care, such as severe pain, blistering, fever, or dehydration. Follow-up through telemedicine or in-person visits may be recommended if symptoms worsen or do not improve. This guidance helps families manage sunburn safely but does not replace the need for in-person medical evaluation if serious symptoms develop.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Child develops large blisters or widespread skin peeling — seek urgent medical care.
• Child has a fever above 38°C (100.4°F) or shows signs of infection (redness, swelling, pus) — contact healthcare provider immediately.
• Child shows signs of dehydration such as dry mouth, dizziness, decreased urination, or lethargy — get prompt medical attention.

What telemedicine can do

• Assessment of mild to moderate sunburn symptoms via video or phone.
• Providing guidance on home care and symptom management.
• Determining if urgent in-person care is needed based on symptoms described.
• Follow-up consultations to monitor healing progress.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Treatment of severe sunburn with extensive blistering or skin damage.
• Management of sunburn-related infections requiring prescription antibiotics.
• Assessment and treatment of dehydration needing intravenous fluids.
• Emergency care for severe allergic reactions or complications.

What to Expect After Your Telemedicine Visit

Your healthcare provider will usually give you advice on how to care for your child's sunburn at home. This may include using cool water compresses, applying gentle moisturizers or aloe vera gel, and giving over-the-counter pain relievers if needed. You will also be reminded to keep your child hydrated and out of the sun to help the skin heal.

How to Care for Mild to Moderate Sunburn at Home

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When to Seek Further Medical Care

Contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency care if your child develops:

Follow-Up After the Telemedicine Visit

Your provider may suggest a follow-up telemedicine visit or an in-person appointment if your child's symptoms do not improve within a few days or if new symptoms develop. Keep track of any changes and be ready to share updates during follow-up.

Preventing Future Sunburns

To protect your child from future sunburns:

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Have a clear, well-lit area to show the sunburned skin during the telemedicine visit.
• Prepare a list of your child's symptoms, including when the sunburn occurred and any treatments tried.
• Have a thermometer ready to check for fever.
• Note any allergies or medications your child is taking.
• Be ready to describe your child's hydration status and behavior changes.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the home care instructions provided by your healthcare provider.
• Use recommended pain relief medicines as directed.
• Keep your child hydrated and protected from further sun exposure.
• Monitor your child's symptoms daily for improvement or worsening.
• Schedule or attend any recommended follow-up telemedicine or in-person visits.

FAQs

Can I use ice directly on my child's sunburn?

No, avoid applying ice directly to the skin as it can cause further damage. Use cool (not cold) compresses instead to soothe the sunburn.

When should I give my child pain medicine for sunburn?

You can give age-appropriate doses of acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help reduce pain and fever. Follow the dosing instructions on the package or as advised by your healthcare provider.

Is it normal for sunburn to blister?

Mild to moderate sunburn may cause small blisters. Large or numerous blisters covering a big area need medical evaluation.

How long does it take for sunburn to heal?

Most mild to moderate sunburns improve within 3 to 7 days with proper care. Skin may peel as it heals.

Can I use aloe vera on my child's sunburn?

Yes, applying pure aloe vera gel can help soothe sunburned skin and provide moisture.

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 — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child's symptoms are severe or worsen, seek immediate medical attention.