# Sunburn, UV Protection & Outdoor Skin First Aid

Prevent damaging UV exposure and respond safely when sunburn happens away from home.

## Immediate rule

Quick review: GET SHADE → COOL SKIN → DRINK WATER → WATCH RED FLAGS.

## Five practical skills

A concise, repeatable field sequence. Read these before an emergency and follow official incident instructions when they differ.

## Prevent UV injury

- Check UV forecasts before hiking, boating or working outdoors, including on cool or cloudy days.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat, tightly woven clothing, UV-protective eyewear and seek shade.
- Apply broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30+ sunscreen to uncovered skin, and reapply about every 2 hours and after swimming or sweating, following the label.
## Recognize early sunburn

- Watch for tender, warm, pink/red or darkened skin, swelling, and later peeling or blistering. Skin tone affects visible redness.
- Move to shade or indoors as soon as burning is suspected and cover the affected area from additional sun.
- Check for heat illness at the same time: headache, dizziness, weakness or overheating may need separate urgent treatment.
## Cool and soothe

- Take brief cool showers or place a clean, cool wet cloth on the area; pat dry gently.
- While the skin is still damp, apply plain moisturizer or aloe/soy-containing lotion if tolerated.
- Drink extra clean water. For discomfort, follow package guidance for an appropriate over-the-counter pain reliever if safe for that person.
## Protect blisters and healing skin

- Leave blisters intact and keep the area clean; loose, non-stick covering can protect rubbed areas.
- Avoid ice directly on skin, abrasive scrubs, butter, oils, or topical anesthetics that may irritate.
- Continue covering the skin from the sun until healed; avoid repeating the exposure.
## Know when to seek medical care

- Seek prompt medical care for extensive blistering, worsening pain, infection signs, repeated vomiting, fever or chills.
- Call emergency services for confusion, fainting, seizures, severe heat illness or an inability to stay hydrated.
- Use extra caution with infants, older adults, sun-sensitive medications and people with a history of skin disorders.
## Practice before an emergency

- Keep SPF 30+ sunscreen, a hat and a small water container in the day pack.
- Plan shaded rest stops during outdoor activities.
- Know the local heat warning and UV forecast sources.
Safety and local guidance

These notes are practical references, not a substitute for professional training or location-specific alerts. Follow emergency responders and local laws.

- American Academy of Dermatology — How to Treat Sunburn
- AAD — How to Treat a Sunburn (2024)
Links are provided to help you verify these recommendations and updates.