Red flags & when to go in person for Sunburn

Audience: adult

Sunburn is a common skin condition caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or tanning devices. Mild sunburns often cause redness, pain, and peeling that can be managed at home or through telemedicine consultations. However, more severe sunburns or those accompanied by certain symptoms may require in-person medical evaluation. Telemedicine can help assess the severity of your sunburn, provide advice on symptom relief, and guide you on when to seek urgent care. It is important to recognize red flags such as severe blistering, high fever, dehydration, or signs of infection, which indicate the need for prompt in-person care. This guide helps you understand when telemedicine is suitable for sunburn and when to visit a healthcare facility to ensure proper treatment and avoid complications.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Large or painful blisters covering a wide area — seek immediate in-person medical care.
• High fever (above 38°C or 100.4°F) accompanying sunburn — visit a healthcare facility promptly.
• Signs of dehydration such as dizziness, confusion, or very dry mouth — get urgent medical evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Assessment of mild to moderate sunburn symptoms.
• Advice on pain relief and skin care at home.
• Guidance on sunburn prevention and follow-up questions.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe sunburn with extensive blistering.
• Sunburn accompanied by high fever or signs of infection.
• Symptoms of dehydration or altered mental status.

What is Sunburn?

Sunburn occurs when your skin is damaged by too much ultraviolet (UV) light, usually from the sun. It often causes redness, pain, warmth, and sometimes swelling or blistering. The damage can range from mild to severe depending on the intensity and duration of sun exposure.

Common Symptoms of Mild to Moderate Sunburn

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These symptoms typically improve within a week with proper care.

Red Flags That Need In-Person Care

Seek urgent medical attention if you experience:

These symptoms may indicate serious complications requiring prompt evaluation.

How Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine providers can:

Telemedicine is convenient for mild cases or follow-up questions but is limited for severe or complicated sunburns.

Preventing Future Sunburns

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How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Have a clear, well-lit area to show your sunburn during the video call if possible.
• Prepare to describe your symptoms clearly, including pain level, blistering, and any other signs.
• List any medications or treatments you have already tried.
• Note the time and duration of sun exposure that caused the sunburn.
• Have a thermometer available to check for fever if possible.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the care advice given during your telemedicine visit, such as using cool compresses or moisturizing lotions.
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers as recommended to reduce discomfort.
• Avoid further sun exposure until your skin has healed.
• Monitor your symptoms closely and seek in-person care if red flags develop.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.

FAQs

Can I treat sunburn at home without seeing a doctor?

Yes, mild to moderate sunburns can often be managed at home with cool baths, moisturizing lotions, and pain relievers. Telemedicine can help you decide if your sunburn is mild enough for home care.

When should I go to the emergency room for sunburn?

Go to the emergency room if you have large blisters, a high fever, severe pain, signs of dehydration, or confusion. These signs may indicate serious complications.

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 rays is important to reduce these risks.

Is it safe to use sunscreen on sunburned skin?

Yes, using a gentle, broad-spectrum sunscreen can help protect sunburned skin from further damage once it starts to heal. Avoid sunscreens with fragrances or irritants if your skin is very sensitive.

Can telemedicine providers prescribe medication for sunburn?

In some cases, telemedicine providers may recommend or prescribe medications such as topical creams or pain relievers. However, prescriptions depend on your symptoms and local regulations.

Sources

1. Sunburn — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Sunburn - Symptoms and Causes — Mayo Clinic.
3. Sunburn Prevention — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Sunburn — Merck Manuals: Consumer Version.

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