Most of us enjoy soaking up the sun, whether it’s at the beach, in the backyard, or during a hike. However, excessive exposure can lead to painful and sometimes serious consequences for your skin. While mild cases can usually be managed at home, some situations require prompt medical attention. Affinity Urgent Care is here to help you understand when it’s time to seek professional treatment for sunburns and sun-related skin damage.
Understanding Sunburns and Skin Damage
Sunburns are caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. UV rays penetrate the skin and damage the DNA in skin cells, causing redness, pain, and inflammation. Repeated exposure can lead to premature aging, sunspots, and even increase your risk of skin cancer. Symptoms of a typical mild sunburn include:
- Redness and warmth of the skin
- Pain or tenderness
- Swelling
- Peeling
These symptoms generally appear a few hours after sun exposure and may worsen over 24–48 hours.
When To Seek Urgent Care for Sunburns and Skin Damage
While mild sunburns can often be treated with rest, hydration, and over-the-counter ointments, more severe cases may require a visit to an urgent care center. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following.
Large Blisters
Blistering is a sign of a second-degree burn. If blisters cover a large portion of your body, such as your back, chest, or legs, this can indicate a deeper level of skin damage and may lead to infection if not treated promptly.
Severe Pain or Swelling
If your sunburn pain doesn’t improve with typical home remedies or if swelling is severe, you may have a more serious burn injury that requires medical evaluation.
Fever, Chills, or Nausea
These symptoms may indicate a systemic reaction to excessive sun exposure, commonly referred to as “sun poisoning.” Signs can include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Dehydration
- Rapid heart rate
These warning signs suggest the need for urgent medical evaluation to prevent more serious complications.
Signs of Infection
If your skin shows signs of infection, such as increased redness, warmth, pus, or red streaks, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Skin infections can progress rapidly and may require antibiotic treatment.
Skin That Doesn’t Heal
Persistent skin discoloration, non-healing wounds, or peeling that lasts longer than a week may indicate more extensive skin damage that requires evaluation by a healthcare provider.
What To Expect at Urgent Care
At Affinity Urgent Care, our experienced medical team will carefully evaluate the severity of your sunburn and recommend the most appropriate course of treatment. Depending on your condition, care may include:
- Prescription-strength pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medications
- Topical creams to soothe skin and support healing
- Wound care for blistered or infected skin
In addition to treatment, we provide personalized education on effective sun protection strategies to help you avoid long-term skin damage.
Preventing Sunburns and Skin Damage
The most effective approach to managing sunburn is prevention. By taking these proactive steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of sun-related skin damage:
- Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen. Use SPF 30 or higher and reapply every two hours or after swimming.
- Wear protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses.
- Seek shade during peak sunlight hours. UV rays are the most intense between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Limiting sun exposure during this time reduces your risk of sunburn.
- Stay hydrated to support overall skin health and help reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses associated with sun exposure.
Visit Affinity Urgent Care for Sunburn Relief
If you’re experiencing symptoms that seem more severe than a mild sunburn, it may be time to consult a medical professional. Affinity Urgent Care offers walk-in services and same-day appointments to help you recover quickly. Contact us today or visit one of our urgent care centers in La Marque, Galveston, or Alvin, Texas, for effective, timely care.
