| Sunburn
is caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light.
The lighter or fairer your skin, the more likely it is to
burn; though even people with darker skin are vulnerable.
You can get a bad sunburn on a cloudy day. Sunlight reflected
from water, sand, bright clothing or snow can give you a
burn.
PREVENTION
Try to stay out of the sun between
the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Stay in the sun for only short periods of time.
Protect your skin. Apply sunscreen with a high sun protection
factor (SPF), paying special attention to face, nose,
ears and shoulders.
Wear muted colors such as tan.
Wear a wide-brimmed hat.
Wear sunglasses with UV protection.
Children should wear sunhats.
SIGNS
redness, swelling, pain, blisters and peeling on the burned
area.
Severe sunburn: Fever, headache, upset stomach, vomiting
and dizziness.
FIRST
AID
Cool
the affected area with clean towels, cloths or gauze dipped
in cool water or take a cool bath or shower.
Take over-the-counter medicines such as aspirin or ibuprofen
for pain and/or headache and to reduce fever. Note: Do
not give aspirin or any medication that has salicylates
to anyone 19 years of age or younger unless a doctor tells
you to.
Rest in a cool, quiet room. Find a comfortable position.
Drink plenty of water.
Don't use local anesthetic creams or sprays that numb
pain.
Put sunscreen on and cover sunburned skin when you go
in the sun again so you don't get burned more.
CALL
IMMEDIATELY FOR EMERGENCY MEDICAL ASSISTANCE IF:
There
are signs of shock such as faintness, dizziness, rapid
pulse, rapid breathing, increased thirst, pale skin, clammy
or cool skin.
The person has eye pain and eyes are sensitive to light.
There are symptoms such as nausea, fever, chills or rash.
The pain lasts more then 48 hours, opr the person starts
vomiting or has diarrhea.
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