Dr. Lynn Cates
Specializing in pediatric infectious diseases and childhood immunizations.
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 Ask Dr. Cates
Severe Sunburn on the Face | | | QUESTION | | | Dear Dr. Cates,
My 13-year-old daughter has blistered sunburn on her face. What should we do? Will there be any scarring, and if so, is there anything we can do to prevent it?— Jessnjuli in Indianapolis, Indiana | | | ANSWER |
April 18, 2002 | | | Dear Jessnjuli,
I'm sorry to hear that your daughter has such severe sunburn. The blisters make this a second-degree burn. Since her face is affected, you should take her to be seen by her healthcare provider because if these burns get infected or irritated (e.g., by rubbing) they may become third-degree burns that do not heal well and can leave scars.
Don't apply any ointments, butter, grease, toothpaste, sprays, oils, powders (e.g., baking soda), home remedies, or anything else to a second or third degree burn unless you are told to do so by her provider. Although these may seem soothing, they can increase the risk of infection and lead to further skin injury because they are hard to remove.
If the blisters are intact, don't break them because they help protect the delicate skin underneath and prevent infection.
Since these burns may be very painful, you may be able to make her more comfortable with pain medication such as acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) or ibuprofen (e.g., Motrin or Advil). However, don't use over-the-counter sprays that contain benzocaine to help numb sunburn pain because they can cause allergic reactions and irritate the skin.— by Lynn Cates, M.D., F.A.A.P. |
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