RV FIRST AID FOR SUNBURN

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.