Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Measures Can I Take To Prevent Sunburns ?

Two years ago I went to Hawaii and got sun poisoning and I am going back in a couple of days. I had to go to the doctor to get a shot to stop the severe itching as well as strong anti-itch cream. I did not have any blisters or sunburns. Is there any way I can prevent this other than wearing a hat, strong sunscreen, and not being in the sun for too long?
Tue, 6 Aug 2013
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hi,
Its better to prevent sun burn than treating it.
So you need to take following measures, if want to prevent it.
1] Do not be in sun for too long , still remains main thing.
2] Use sunscreen with SPF 30 at least.
3] Do not expose body parts directly to sun.
4] Use loose, cotton, but not dark colored cloths.
5] Remain well hydrated- drink plenty of water and juices.
6] Apply cold compresses — such as a towel dampened with cool tap water — to the affected skin. Or take a cool bath or shower; in case you start feeling burns.
7]Apply a moisturizing cream, aloe vera lotion or hydrocortisone cream to affected skin; in case you start feeling skin irritation.
8] Keep Calamine lotion with you in case start itching, it will sooth the skin.

Take care

Best regards,
Dr. Neelam.
I find this answer helpful
Dermatologist Dr. Udhay Sidhu's  Response
Hello,

Well if your skin is sun sensitive you can get the sun allergy again also.Applying sunscreen is a must but has to be in a certain manner - such as if stepping into water, apply water resistant sunscreen, apply it liberally and re apply after every 2 hours, in case of continuous and prolonged exposure.
If you develop burning/ irritation take a tablet of levocetrizine
Carry a mild - moderate potent steroid cream / ointment with you.
Incase of burning / irritation / redness do cold compresses to that area, apply aloe vera cream or calamine lotion.

Have a sun safe vacation
Take Care
Regards
Dr.Sidhu
I find this answer helpful
General & Family Physician Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta's  Response
Hello
For prevention you have already listed the hints to be done like
Avoiding sun
Wearing hat
And applying high SPF sunscreen
But once you get the problem you have to either apply anti allergic cream or take anti allergic tablets.
Thanks
I find this answer helpful
Dermatologist Dr. Puvvula Kishore Kumar's  Response
Hi..dear nmb..,
Thanks for choosing HCM.,
As per Ur complaint...U have SUNSENITIVITY..,
called PHOTODRTMATITIS..,
So follow..,
1) Wearing Clothing (Full) with Hat on head..,
or..SUNSCREEN LOTION..SPF 50 every 2 hrs..,
while going out..,
2) Use Black Umbrella while going to SUN..,
3) Avoid Sun exposure...Preferably between 11 AM and 3PM.,
4) Tab Levocetrizine to combat the itching..,
5) Night apply..Momentasome (ELOCON)daily..,
ok thanQ
I find this answer helpful
Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement Dr. Saurabh Gupta's  Response
Hi,
Stay out of the sun during peak hours.
Keep covered up.
Use sunscreen on any exposed areas.
Don't lie in the sun purposefully seeking a tan.
Put a small amount of oil or sunscreen in your hair so you will avoid burning your scalp. Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours.
Avoid wool or synthetics with sun-burn though you'll be most comfortable with no clothing on the affected area.
If you do get sunburn, aloe vera gel is an extremely soothing and non-toxic solution.
Since it's hard to put sunscreen around your eyes, wear large sunglasses for a physical barrier.
Regards.
I find this answer helpful

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Sun tanning


Loading Online Doctors....
What Measures Can I Take To Prevent Sunburns ?

Hi, Its better to prevent sun burn than treating it. So you need to take following measures, if want to prevent it. 1] Do not be in sun for too long , still remains main thing. 2] Use sunscreen with SPF 30 at least. 3] Do not expose body parts directly to sun. 4] Use loose, cotton, but not dark colored cloths. 5] Remain well hydrated- drink plenty of water and juices. 6] Apply cold compresses — such as a towel dampened with cool tap water — to the affected skin. Or take a cool bath or shower; in case you start feeling burns. 7]Apply a moisturizing cream, aloe vera lotion or hydrocortisone cream to affected skin; in case you start feeling skin irritation. 8] Keep Calamine lotion with you in case start itching, it will sooth the skin. Take care Best regards, Dr. Neelam.