Hi, can sun burn cause body parts to be swollen? i think my son got a sun burn and it caused one of his ears to be swollen. benadryl (diphenhydramine) did not help.

Absolutley: Certainly burned areas of your body can swell. The cells are damaged and then leak fluid causing the swelling. Benadryl won't help because it's not an allergic reaction. It's trauma/damage to the skin cells and an anti-histamine won't help that. Keep cool compresses on affected areas, give Tylenol (acetaminophen) for pain, have him drink lots of fluids. Next time prevention is key with repeated use of sun screen.