Sunburn: what to do and when to consult?

By Dre Aurélia Nha-Huyen Nguyen Gouez, family physician and medical director of French origin, based in Quebec since 2016.

The sun is back, terraces are filling up, children are playing outside… and the first sunburns are appearing. Even in Montreal, where summers are short, UV rays can cause real damage. Redness, pain, blisters: a sunburn is not just a passing inconvenience. In some cases, it may require medical care.

Here is how to recognize a sunburn, treat it at home, and know when to consult a doctor.

What is a sunburn?

A sunburn is a skin burn caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. It can occur even on cloudy days, especially between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Certain surfaces (water, sand, concrete) increase exposure.

There are several degrees:

• Simple redness, sensitive skin: mild sunburn

• Red and swollen skin, significant pain: moderate sunburn

• Presence of blisters, chills, fever: severe sunburn

What to do in case of a mild to moderate sunburn?

Here are the right reflexes:

• Get out of the sun immediately and stay in the shade

• Apply cool water compresses (not ice cold) to the affected area

• Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration

• Use a moisturizing cream or an aloe vera-based gel

• In case of pain: give Tylenol (acetaminophen) or ibuprofen

• Do not pop blisters if they appear

The skin will take a few days to regenerate. During this time, you must avoid all sun exposure, even indirect.

When should you consult a doctor?

A consultation is recommended if:

• There are extensive blisters, especially in children or the elderly

• The child has a fever, chills, or headaches

• The person is disoriented, drowsy, or nauseous

• The sunburn affects the face, eyelids, or sensitive areas

• There are signs of dehydration: dry lips, dark urine, weakness

In some cases, medical treatment or more advanced local care will be necessary to avoid complications (infection, heatstroke).

Why consult a home doctor in Montreal?

When the skin is burned, simply travelling to a clinic can be painful, especially for a child. A home doctor in Montreal can:

• Assess the severity of the burn

• Prescribe an appropriate treatment (corticosteroid-based cream, dressings, hydration)

• Provide prevention advice tailored to your skin type and habits

At Allodocteur.ca, our doctors travel quickly to your home to evaluate cases of sunburn, particularly in children and people at higher risk.

Conclusion

A sunburn may seem trivial, but it should not be underestimated. Beyond the immediate pain, it increases the long-term risk of skin cancer. If in doubt or if symptoms worsen, it is better to consult quickly. A home doctor in Montreal can save you an unnecessary wait and relieve the situation effectively.

Book an appointment now with a home doctor in Montreal at www.allodocteur.ca or call us: we are open even on weekends.