Version July 2025
Please read the Disclaimer at the end of this page.
What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
You came to the ED for a sunburn. This is skin damage that can happen when you are in the sun for too long. It is possible to get a sunburn even on a cloudy day, or from a tanning bed.
Sunburns can cause redness, blisters, pain, and swelling. They can involve just the top layer of skin or the deeper layers as well.
How quickly your sunburn will heal is based on how serious it is.
How do I care for myself at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also do the following:
●Call your regular doctor and tell them you were in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment if you were told to.
●Take non-prescription medicines to relieve pain, such as acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol), ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (sample brand name: Aleve).
●Apply cool compresses to help with pain. Dip a clean cloth in cold water, and put it on your skin.
●Take a cool shower or bath. Pat yourself dry with a clean towel. Use mild and unscented soap and moisturizers.
●Use an unscented cream, calamine lotion, or aloe vera-based gel to keep your skin moist. You can also use a lotion or spray made for treating sunburns. These usually have aloe or a numbing medicine in them.
●Stay out of the sun until the redness and pain go away.
●Avoid picking at your skin, especially if it blisters or becomes flaky.
●Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
●Wear loose-fitting clothing, if your skin is very sensitive.
●Try to avoid getting more sunburns in the future:
•Wear sunscreen, and reapply it often.
•Wear clothing that protects you from the sun.
•Stay in the shade when outside.
•Avoid trying to get a tan, either from the sun or tanning beds.
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if:
●You have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or chills.
●You have pain even after taking pain-relieving medicines.
●Your sunburn is swollen or has large blisters.
●Your sunburn has thick yellow or green drainage.
●You have new or worsening symptoms.
Patient education: Sunburn (The Basics)
Patient education: Staying safe in the sun (The Basics)
Patient education: Sunburn (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Sunburn prevention (Beyond the Basics)
