Tele-triage for Sunburn

Audience: adult

Sunburn happens when your skin is damaged by too much sun exposure. It can cause redness, pain, swelling, and sometimes blisters. Most sunburns are mild and can be managed at home with simple care. Telemedicine can help you understand how serious your sunburn is and guide you on how to treat it safely. However, some sunburns need in-person care, especially if they cause severe pain, large blisters, fever, or signs of infection. This guide explains when tele-triage is suitable for sunburn and when you should seek urgent medical attention. It also offers tips on preparing for a telemedicine visit and what to do after your consultation to help your skin heal and prevent future sun damage.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Large or spreading blisters requiring urgent medical evaluation.
• Fever, chills, or flu-like symptoms indicating possible systemic infection.
• Signs of skin infection such as increased redness, warmth, swelling, or pus.

What telemedicine can do

• Assessment of mild to moderate sunburn redness and pain.
• Guidance on home care, hydration, and pain relief.
• Advice on preventing further sun damage.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe sunburn with large blisters or skin peeling.
• Symptoms of infection or systemic illness (fever, chills).
• Neurological symptoms such as dizziness or confusion.

What is Sunburn?

Sunburn is skin damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. It usually appears as red, warm, and tender skin. Mild sunburns heal within a few days with proper care, but severe sunburns can cause pain, swelling, and blisters.

When to Use Telemedicine for Sunburn

Telemedicine can help you assess mild to moderate sunburn symptoms. You can show your skin to a healthcare provider via video and get advice on pain relief, skin care, and hydration. Tele-triage is useful if you have redness and discomfort without severe symptoms or signs of infection.

When to Seek In-Person Care

Seek urgent in-person care if you experience:* Large or spreading blisters* Severe pain that limits movement* Fever, chills, or flu-like symptoms* Signs of skin infection such as increased redness, warmth, pus, or swelling* Dizziness, confusion, or rapid heartbeatThese symptoms may indicate complications requiring prompt medical treatment.

How to Prepare for a Telemedicine Visit

Before your tele-visit:* Find a quiet, well-lit space with good internet connection.* Have a device with a camera ready to show affected skin areas.* Prepare to describe your symptoms, when they started, and any treatments you have tried.* Note any allergies or medications you are taking.* Have a list of questions or concerns ready to discuss.

Aftercare and Prevention Tips

After your tele-visit:* Follow the care instructions provided by your healthcare provider.* Use cool compresses and moisturizers to soothe your skin.* Take pain relievers as recommended.* Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.* Avoid further sun exposure until your skin heals.* Use sunscreen and protective clothing to prevent future sunburns.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Ensure a stable internet connection and a device with a camera.
• Find a well-lit area to clearly show the affected skin.
• Have your symptom details ready, including onset and treatments tried.
• List any allergies and current medications.
• Prepare questions or concerns for your healthcare provider.

After your tele-visit

• Apply recommended soothing treatments like cool compresses or moisturizers.
• Take pain relief medications as advised.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
• Avoid sun exposure until skin heals.
• Use sunscreen and protective clothing to prevent future sunburns.

FAQs

Can I treat sunburn at home without seeing a doctor?

Mild sunburns often improve with home care such as cool compresses, moisturizers, and over-the-counter pain relievers. However, if you notice worsening symptoms, large blisters, or signs of infection, seek medical advice.

How soon should I seek medical care for sunburn?

Seek medical care if you develop severe pain, large blisters, fever, chills, or signs of infection. These may indicate complications that need prompt treatment.

Is telemedicine safe for sunburn assessment?

Telemedicine can safely assess mild to moderate sunburn by allowing healthcare providers to visually examine your skin and discuss symptoms. It is not suitable for severe cases or when urgent care is needed.

What can I do to prevent sunburn in the future?

Prevent sunburn by using broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, wearing protective clothing and hats, seeking shade during peak sun hours, and avoiding tanning beds.

Can sunburn cause long-term skin damage?

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

Sources

1. Sunburn — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Sunburn - Symptoms and Causes — Mayo Clinic.
3. Sunburn and Skin Cancer 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 have severe symptoms or concerns, please seek immediate medical attention.