When to Visit Urgent Care for Sunburn 

Sunburn is a common injury, especially in the summertime as people spend more time outside in hot, sunny weather.  

“Sunburn can happen after only 10 or 15 minutes of exposure without proper protection,” said Dr. Afsoun Sichani, Medical Director of WVU Medicine Urgent Care-East. "Sunscreen, limiting exposure, and protective clothing like hats and sleeves are the best ways to avoid sunburn and skin damage.” 

If you do find yourself with sunburn, the pain and irritation can vary based on the severity of your burn. 

“Like other burns; we categorize the severity of sunburn as first-, second-, and third-degree,” Dr. Sichani said. “First-degree sunburns usually include slightly reddened skin that’s hot to the touch with mild tenderness or swelling. The damaged area should begin to peel on its own in a few days.” 

Second- and third-degree burns are more serious, more painful, and can require medical treatment.  

“Signs of a second-degree sunburn include extremely red skin, blistering and large-area swelling, pain, and wet-looking skin,” Dr. Sichani said. “At Urgent Care, we can assess the skin damage, provide topical creams for relief, and diagnose and treat signs of infection.” 

According to Dr. Sichani, it’s a good idea to visit an Urgent Care clinic if you have any of the following sunburn symptoms: 

• Pain that over-the-counter medications and aloe vera cannot alleviate.
• Large blisters or open sores with signs of infection.
• Signs of heat illness.
• Any pre-existing health condition, like diabetes or immune suppression, that might hinder the burn’s healing process. 

Third-degree sunburns are very rare and require emergency medical attention. If you have leathery or charred looking skin, numbness, and severe swelling and discoloration, seek emergency care.  

For more about WVU Medicine Urgent Care near you in the Eastern Panhandle, you can learn more here.