Sunburn: Emergencies

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Emergencies

• Signs of shock occur:
  • In an adult.
  • In a child.
• A severe allergic reaction occurs with difficulty breathing or swelling of the mouth or throat.
• Signs of heatstroke occur, including:
  • Unconsciousness that lasts longer than 1 minute.
  • Convulsions (seizure).
  • Signs of moderate to severe difficulty breathing.
  • An elevated temperature after exposure to a hot environment.
  • Confusion, severe restlessness, or anxiety.
  • Rapid heartbeat.
  • Sweating that may be heavy or may have stopped.
  • Skin that may be red, hot, and dry, even in the armpits.
  • Severe vomiting and diarrhea.
• Signs of severe dehydration occur after being in the sun too long:
  • In an adult.
  • In a child.

Note:

After calling 911 or other emergency services, begin emergency first aid treatment if emergency medical personnel are not going to arrive soon.

Last updated:	December 28, 2007
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer