Did you know that a sunburn damages your skin? Although the discomfort is usually minor and healing often occurs in about a week, a more severe sunburn may require medical attention.

Symptoms of sunburn are well known: the skin becomes red, painful and abnormally warm after sun exposure.

What to do:

• Prevent sunburn with sunscreen and protective clothing, including hats, long sleeves and pants, and SPF-rated clothing.
• Consult a doctor if the sunburn affects an infant younger than one year of age or if fever, fluid-filled blisters or severe pain are present.

Also, remember these tips when treating sunburn:

• avoid repeated sun exposure,
• apply cold compresses or immerse the sunburned area in cool water,
• apply moisturizing lotion to affected areas (do not use salve, butter or ointment) and
• do not break blisters.