When to Seek Medical Attention for Severe Sunburn: Recognizing Signs and Symptoms

Published on: 23rd October 2023
Medically reviewed by: Medical Director at First Response Healthcare
Seek Medical Attention for Severe Sunburn
Sunburn on face or skin rash from sun on your body occurs when the skin is exposed to excessive ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, damaging skin cells. Most face sunburns or skin rash from sun are mild and can be treated at home with proper care. However, treating sunburn on face and skin rash from sun on your body can be dangerous and may require medical attention.

Here are some sunburn symptoms that indicate that it's time to see a doctor for sunburn treatment:

Severe Pain: Minor sunburn on face and skin rash from sun on your body often causes redness and discomfort and can usually be treated with over-the-counter sunburn treatment like pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
However, if the pain becomes severe and skin rash from sun is not relieved by these sunburn treatment medications, it may indicate that sunburn on face and skin rash from sun on your body might be severe and require medical attention. Severe pain on the face or any other part of the body due to sunburn may indicate deeper tissue damage or inflammation. Your doctor will assess the extent of your burns on the face or any other part of the body and prescribe the appropriate sunburn treatment.
Blisters: Blisters are also among the list of severe sunburn symptoms. Blisters on sunburned skin or face sunburn indicate second-degree burns that damage the deeper layers of the skin. These blisters are filled with fluid and are used by the body to protect and heal damaged tissue. Ruptured blisters, especially in the case of face sunburn increase the risk of infection, slow healing, and can lead to scarring. Getting help from a doctor is essential for sunburn treatment to prevent complications, as a medical professional can properly evaluate and treat the sunburned area, including face sunburns, minimizing the risk of infection and providing effective sunburn treatment.
Swelling: A severe sunburn on face or on any other areas of the body can cause significant inflammation and swelling near the affected areas, especially sensitive areas such as the face, eyes and neck. Swelling can cause discomfort and interfere with normal bodily functions. This may indicate a more serious reaction. Seeing a doctor is necessary in the case of face sunburn to ensure proper sunburn treatment and to rule out possible complications of sunburn symptoms.
Extreme Redness and Peeling: Excessive redness and peeling of sunburned skin are also sunburn symptoms, and these indicate severe burns that have severely damaged skin cells. This is painful particularly with face sunburn, and can lead to complications such as infection if not treated properly. A medical evaluation, especially in the case of face sunburn, helps determine the best course of sunburn treatment action to promote healing and prevent further damage.
Fever and chills: A severe face sunburn can cause systemic reactions such as fever and chills.
These symptoms indicate that the body’s inflammatory response is widespread and can lead to dehydration and other complications. This may be a sign of sun poisoning, a condition that requires medical evaluation and proper sunburn treatment to restore fluid and electrolyte balance.
Pre-existing Symptoms or Medications: Certain medical conditions, such as lupus and photosensitivity, and some medications can increase sensitivity to the sun and make treating sunburn worse. In these cases, it is important to consult a doctor before sunbathing, understand the possible risks, and protect your skin appropriately.

Treatment For Sunburn In Dubai | First Response Healthcare

If you are looking for a doctor for treating sunburn symptoms or if you are looking for answers online for ‘face sunburn how to treat,’ First Response Healthcare (FRH) can come to your rescue. FRH is one of the best home healthcare companies in Dubai, offering a wide range of medical services including ‘Doctor on Call’ services for treating sunburn.
FRH is a JCI accredited home healthcare company, and it is known for its patient-centric, professional and reliable services when it comes to treating sunburn. The FRH team has a team of highly qualified, experienced and DHA licensed doctors who can help you with sunburn symptoms and sunburn treatment in Dubai, ensuring you receive the best care for treating sunburn. Our doctor can visit you at your home, hotel or office at any time that convenient to you, since our services are available 24*7. Our doctor can help you with treatment of sunburn in Dubai, along with diagnosing and treating a wide range of other conditions, right from fevers, colds, migraines and allergic reactions to respiratory illnesses, chronic conditions, gastrointestinal disorders and other skin problems, including treating sunburn. Our doctor on call service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including weekends and holidays, ensuring you have access to assistance for treating sunburn whenever you need it.
To have a doctor visit you at home for treatment of sunburn in Dubai, you can simply call 0505050387 or 800DIALDOC. You can also book online by visiting https://firstresponsehealthcare.com/ae/dubai

How Can You Prevent Sunburn?

Here are some precautions that you can take to prevent severe sunburn in Dubai:
  • Avoid the Sun from 10am to 4pm: This is the time when the sunlight is at its strongest. So, when possible, plan your outdoor activities at other times. If that doesn’t work, limit the amount of time you spend in the sun. Seek shade wherever you can.
  • Avoid Sunbathing and Solariums: Basic tanning does not reduce the risk of sunburn. If you use self-tanning products to tan, you still need to apply sunscreen before going out.
  • Use Sunscreen Often and Aggressively: Use a waterproof broad-spectrum lip balm and sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, even on cloudy days. Broad spectrum products protect against ultraviolet rays.
  • Keep Children Out Of Direct Sunlight: Protect your baby or toddler from the sun by making him/her wear a brimmed hat along with light clothing that covers his/her arms and legs. Keep children away from direct sunlight. If that is not possible, apply a sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher to the face and backs of hands of children who are 6 months and older.
  • Cover up: In addition to sunscreen, items such as umbrellas and wide-brimmed hats can also help protect you from the sun. Consider using outdoor gear designed specifically for sun protection.
  • Wear Sunglasses Outdoors: Choose sunglasses that block UV rays. When buying new glasses, check the UV rating on the label. Darker lenses don’t necessarily mean better UV protection. Wearing sunglasses that fit snugly around your face or have frames that wrap around your face can also help.
  • Be Careful With Medicines And Cosmetics That Are Sensitive To Sunlight: Some common prescription and over-the-counter medications can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Examples include antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), cholesterol-lowering drugs. Talk to your pharmacist or health care provider about side effects of the medicines you take. Cosmetics containing alpha hydroxy acids also increase sun sensitivity.

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