Sunburn

Question 1

What issue/Tx
(1) Clinical manifestations range from mild erythema to highly painful erythema with edema, vesiculation, and blistering.
(2) Erythema is usually first noted 3 to 5 hours following sunlight exposure, peaks at 12 to 24 hours, and in most cases subsides at 72 hours.
(3) Increased skin sensitivity to heat and mechanical pressure are characteristic and present even in mild cases.
(4) The erythema typically resolves in three to seven days. Blisters heal without scarring in 7 to 10 days. Scaling, desquamation, and tanning are noted four to seven days after exposure.

Answer 1

Sun Burn.
(1) Self-limiting condition that usually resolves in a few days.
(2) There are no specific therapies to reverse the skin damage and hasten the healing time.
(3) Management involves the symptomatic treatment of skin inflammation and control of pain.
(a) Cool compresses or soaks, Calamine lotion, Aloe Vera based topical products.
(b) Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) initiated when symptoms present & continued for 24 to 48 hours.
(c) Topical corticosteroids contraindicated for the treatment of sunburn. Blisters heal without scarring in 7 to 10 days. Scaling, desquamation, and tanning are noted four to seven days after exposure.

Question 2

The most important part of treatment of sunburn is what?

Answer 2

Prevention

Question 3

What are some prevention measures for sunburn?

Answer 3

(1) Protective clothing (SPF 50+)
(2) Broad spectrum sunscreens (UVA & UVB with SPF 30+)
(3) Counsel patients: susceptibility to sunburn = genetic susceptibility to skin cancer.

Question 4

What measures the UV radiation required to produce sunburn on protected skin (with sunscreen) relative to UV radiation is required to produce sunburn on unprotected skin (no sunscreen).

Answer 4

SPF