Sunburn: causes and which doctor to see

For sunburn you can first see: Dermatology or Family Medicine. If you are not sure, a family doctor (general practitioner) can assess you first and refer you to the right specialist.

Common symptoms: red, hot, painful skin; tenderness to touch; blisters (second-degree burn); peeling and itching after a few days; headache, fever and nausea with extensive burns. Symptoms vary from person to person; a doctor’s examination is needed for a diagnosis.

Do not put yoghurt, tomato, toothpaste or oil on a sunburn. Do not sunbathe again before the burn has healed.

The most common causes: unprotected sun exposure around midday; too little sunscreen or not reapplying it; fair skin, freckles and light-coloured eyes; uV reflected from water, sand and snow; sunbeds; some medicines that increase sun sensitivity. Only a doctor’s examination can determine the exact cause.

Mild sunburn heals in 3–5 days and blistering sunburn in 1–2 weeks. Peeling and itching during healing are normal.

It is more common in: people with fair skin; babies and children; outdoor workers; people taking medicines that increase sun sensitivity.

The diagnosis is made by examination; with extensive burns the doctor checks for fluid loss and infection.

Avoid direct sun between 11:00 and 16:00. Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen 15–30 minutes before going out and reapply every 2 hours and after swimming. Wear a hat, sunglasses and covering clothes. Keep babies under 6 months out of direct sun.

Most sunburns are treated at home; for severe burns see a family doctor, dermatologist or the emergency department.

Keep the burnt skin covered and out of the sun until it has healed; further exposure deepens the damage.

If the answer to any of these questions is yes, call 112 without delay: “Is there blistering over a large area, or fever, chills, confusion or vomiting?” “Is a baby or young child sunburnt and unwell?” “Is there confusion, fainting or difficulty waking up?” “Is there facial drooping, slurred speech or sudden weakness in an arm or leg?” “Are you struggling to breathe even at rest?”

See a doctor: if blisters cover a large area; if you have fever and feel unwell; for babies; if the burn is not healing after a few days or looks infected.