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Sunburn first aid - Prevention

Avoid sun exposure during hours of peak sun ray intensity.
Apply generous amounts of sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. Pay special attention to your face, nose, ears, and shoulders. The higher the SPF, the greater the protection.
Apply sunscreen 30 minutes prior to sun exposure to allow penetration. Re-apply after swimming and every 2 hours while you are outdoors.
Wear sun hats. There is also SPF clothing and swimwear available.
Wear sunglasses with UV protection.
Use a lip balm with sunscreen.

Reviewed last on: 6/9/2008
John E. Duldner, Jr., MD, MS, Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine Director of Research, Department of Emergency Medicine Akron General Medical Center and Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

Kaplan LA. Exposure to Radiation from the Sun. In: Auerbach PS. Wilderness Medicine. 5th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2007: chap. 14.

Han A, Maibach HI. Management of acute sunburn. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2004;5(1):39-47.