Sunburn: what to do and when to consult?
By Dr. Aurélia Nha-Huyen Nguyen Gouez, a family physician and medical director of French origin, based in Quebec since 2016.
The sun is back, terraces are filling up, children are playing outside... and the first sunburns are appearing. Even in Montreal, where summers are short, UV rays can cause real damage. Redness, pain, blisters: sunburn isn't just a temporary inconvenience. In some cases, it may require medical attention.
Here's how to recognize sunburn, treat it at home and know when to seek medical attention.
What is sunburn?
Sunburn is a skin burn caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. It can occur even on cloudy days, especially between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Certain surfaces (water, sand, concrete) increase exposure.
There are several degrees:
-Simple redness, sensitive skin: mild sunburn
-Red, swollen skin, severe pain: moderate sunburn
-Blistering, chills, fever: severe sunburn
What to do in the event of mild to moderate sunburn?
Here are some good reflexes:
-Get out of the sun immediately and stay in the shade
-Apply cool (not ice-cold)water compresses to the affected area
-Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration
-Use an aloe vera-based moisturizer or gel
- For pain: give Tylenol (acetaminophen) or ibuprofen
-Do not pierce blisters if they appear
It will take a few days for the skin to regenerate. During this time, you should avoid even indirect exposure to the sun.
When should I consult a doctor?
A consultation is recommended if :
- Extensive blistering, especially in children and the elderly
- The child has a fever, chills or headache
- The person is disoriented, drowsy or nauseous
- Sunburn affects the face, eyelids or sensitive areas
- Signs of dehydration: dry lips, dark urine, weakness.
In some cases, further medical treatment or local care may be required to avoid complications (infection, heat stroke).
Why consult a home doctor in Montreal?
When the skin is burned, just getting to a clinic can be painful, especially for a child. A home doctor in Montreal can :
- Assessing the severity of the burn
- Prescribe appropriate treatment (corticosteroid cream, dressings, moisturizing)
- Preventive advice adapted to your skin type and habits
At Allodocteur.ca, our doctors come to your home quickly to assess cases of sunburn, especially in children and people at greater risk.
Conclusion
Sunburn may seem trivial, but it shouldn't be underestimated. Beyond the immediate pain, it increases the risk of skin cancer in the long term. When in doubt, or if symptoms worsen, it's best to seek prompt medical attention. A Montreal home care physician can save you unnecessary waiting and provide effective relief.
