Question 1

got really bad sunburn because i didn't use sunscreen. what should i do?

Accepted Answer

Stay hydrated: Plenty of fluids, ibuprofen, and moisturize your skin a ton.  Use something like eucerin after showering.  In the future use sunscreen daily.

Question 2

i still get sunburned even though i wear sunscreen and am tanned enough. what gives?

Accepted Answer

What is the SPF: of your sunscreen? Have you tried 50 or 70?  How often do you apply it? Usually needs to be reapplied through the day. Do you use clothing as protection as well?  See you live in Florida - there can be some pretty intense sun rays there. Protect better. Take care.

Question 3

i tanned outside in the sun today for 50 minutes. i used no sunscreen and got no sunburn. is this still risky rven without sunburn?

Accepted Answer

Yes: You can, depending on your skin tone, get lots of sun before you burn. Any excessive sun exposure will, long term increase your risk of skin cancer. Always wear sunscreen if you're going to be out for an extended period of time.

Question 4

how does sunscreen prevent sunburns?

Accepted Answer

Sunscreen: Sunscreens work via 2 possible ways: 1) chemical blocks that breakdown the uv rays as they pass through the skin and 2) physical blocks that prevent the uv rays from getting to the skin. I recommend the physical blocks (zinc and titanium) because they have a very good safety profile and work very effectively. If you are going to be in the sun - use a minimum of SPF 15 - follow product directions.

Question 5

i've had a sunburn through the summer & it's all patchy because of the sand and missing certain spots with sunscreen. is this dangerous?

Accepted Answer

Normal Process: As injured skin heals, the body creates inflammation which means fresh blood goes to the area and with it, many kinds of healing factors and cells.  One type is called melanocytes which carry our skin pigment melanin.  A healing occurs, these cells may or may not return to the area and give it the brownish or lack of coloration you see.  There might be some changes as the injury matures.

Question 6

am i allergic to the sun if my face swells up when i get a sunburn?  or is it the sunscreen on my face?

Accepted Answer

Sunscreen: Its probably the sunscreen. But a sunburn itself causes redness and inflammation.

Question 7

i got a bad sunburn yesterday and i don't usually get sunburnt even when i forget sunscreen. how could i turn this into a tan and stop from peeling?

Accepted Answer

Use aloe gel: most likely you peel anyways, but aloe gel will help you to sooth the area.

Question 8

i got sunburned today, despite consistent and repeated sunscreen use. i also developed red spots on my side. should i be concerned?

Accepted Answer

No: Avoid significant sun exposure in the next few days.

Question 9

i used sunscreen but now i have a horrible sunburn. it's so red, it's purple. any suggestions on how to help reduce pain and irritation?

Accepted Answer

Burns: May need prescription pain med, silvadene (silver sulfadiazine) cream, and tetanus booter, plus antibiotic. Please, see doctor.

Question 10

i had white spots from a previous sunburn. went out and even with sunscreen they got burned again. now i have tiny bumps on where i got burned. help?

Accepted Answer

Help?: You have blisters from being burned. You need to let your skin heal. No potions. Time and staying out of the sun while healing is indicated here.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Sunscreen after sunburn

A member asked:

Got really bad sunburn because i didn't use sunscreen. what should i do?

A member asked:

I still get sunburned even though i wear sunscreen and am tanned enough. what gives?

A member asked:

I tanned outside in the sun today for 50 minutes. i used no sunscreen and got no sunburn. is this still risky rven without sunburn?

A member asked:

How does sunscreen prevent sunburns?

A member asked:

I've had a sunburn through the summer & it's all patchy because of the sand and missing certain spots with sunscreen. is this dangerous?

A member asked:

Am i allergic to the sun if my face swells up when i get a sunburn? or is it the sunscreen on my face?

A member asked:

I got a bad sunburn yesterday and i don't usually get sunburnt even when i forget sunscreen. how could i turn this into a tan and stop from peeling?

A member asked:

I got sunburned today, despite consistent and repeated sunscreen use. i also developed red spots on my side. should i be concerned?

A member asked:

I used sunscreen but now i have a horrible sunburn. it's so red, it's purple. any suggestions on how to help reduce pain and irritation?

A member asked:

I had white spots from a previous sunburn. went out and even with sunscreen they got burned again. now i have tiny bumps on where i got burned. help?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?