Should I see a doctor: Sunburn

Hours into your day at the lake, you look down to see your arm is already turning red. You quickly apply another layer of sunscreen, but unfortunately it’s too late.

You wake up the next day with bright red skin that’s hot to the touch. At what point do you need to seek professional care, versus simply treating your symptoms and waiting it out?

What’s ‘normal’

A burn that ranges in color from pink to red, is low to moderately painful, and is warm to the touch is not cause for immediate concern. While considered a first-degree burn, if it’s fully healing within five to 10 days, you’re safe to continue treating at home.

Moisturizers, over-the-counter pain relievers, increased water intake and avoiding additional sun exposure should suffice treating a first-degree burn.

What’s ‘not normal’

If you begin to form blisters or your burn is so painful/uncomfortable that you require pain relievers to even relax, it’s likely your burn has reached the second-degree level. If those blisters are popping and excreting a clear liquid — or if you have a bright or dark red burn with blisters but no pain — you’ve likely moved into a more severe burn range.

To ensure there’s no deeper or permanent damage, such as to the nerves, and no risk for infection through open blisters, see a provider as soon as possible through either a primary care appointment or trip to urgent care.

How to care for your condition

The biggest thing you can do to treat a sunburn at any level is to stay hydrated. Your body is working overtime to heal the skin and needs all the water you can give it.

Moisturizers will also be your best friend. Research shows that aloe vera does very little to heal burned skin — instead, stick to a nonirritating moisturizing cream like Cetaphil or ointment like Aquaphor. Anti-itch or numbing creams can also be helpful, especially for children experiencing discomfort. If there’s an open blister, though, do not apply anti-itch or steroid creams, as they increase the risk for infection.

If you’re experiencing pain, focus on over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol (acetaminophen) as opposed to anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen.

Sunburns typically take three to five hours to show up, which is why it’s so important to consistently reapply your sunscreen. SPF 30 provides 97 percent protection from UVB rays, which are responsible for burns. Apply your first layer at least 30 minutes prior to exposure so it has time to soak in, then reapply a minimum of every two hours.

And don’t forget your face, shoulders, ears and back of the hands and neck! If you can’t remember to reapply, opt for protective clothing like hats and swim shirts.

Medical review provided for this piece by Kimberlee M. Wurth, ARNP, with MultiCare primary care services in Yakima, Washington.