Loowit Posted July 23, 2014 Share Posted July 23, 2014 My DS got a very bad sunburn on his neck and shoulders at camp. I has been a week and a half. Most of it is healed except for one shoulder that is still very painful, cracked, and peeling. He is able to wear soft clothes on it, but it is painful for him to move his arm much and he won't let me touch it. It doesn't look infected, but the burn went pretty deep. He got burned on his first day of camp while waiting for his swimming test. He didn't think to put sunscreen on anything but his arms because he didn't think he would be there very long. The leaders he was with at camp put some sunburn cream on it but it didn't seem to help much and they never sent him to the medic to get checked. I didn't see the initial burn but from what I saw when I picked him up a week later it looked like it was likely a second degree burn. I am not sure what, if anything, I can put on it to help at this point. I am keep an eye out for infection and keeping it clean. Is it something that will just need to heal on its own over time? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SadieMarie Posted July 23, 2014 Share Posted July 23, 2014 I have used a burn gel. It cools it and helps with the pain. http://www.waterjel.com/consumer-products/burn-jel-plus/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
momto10blessings Posted July 23, 2014 Share Posted July 23, 2014 My cousin claims that vinegar helps her sunburns. Eta: I didn't see that it had been a week so probably too late for vinegar. I'd keep some kind of lotion on it to keep it from drying out. Poor guy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gardenmom5 Posted July 23, 2014 Share Posted July 23, 2014 with what you describe - I'd take him in and get some silvadene ointment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
underthebridge Posted July 23, 2014 Share Posted July 23, 2014 1% hydrocortisone cream can help with itching and swelling. Even though topical anesthetics don't last long, they can be helpful for bedtime. You can even use small amounts of teething gel containing benzocaine for relief. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest submarines Posted July 23, 2014 Share Posted July 23, 2014 I found organic coconut oil to be extremely (almost magically) soothing and healing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted July 23, 2014 Share Posted July 23, 2014 If you use essential oils at all, Lavendar works. Ds was at the beach a few weeks ago, and despite several applications of sunscreen AND not going into the water, he got a BAD sunburn. He would put water in a bowl and add about 6-8 drops of lavendar oil to it. He would get a rag wet with the mixture and dab it on the burn till he felt relief. I know it works wonders for me when I have burned a finger while cooking or gotten a small burn from touching something hot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zoobie Posted July 24, 2014 Share Posted July 24, 2014 With it being cracked and open, I would hesitate to put un-sterile OTC stuff on it. If it's not open, coconut oil and aloe until you can get Silvadene from the doctor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redsquirrel Posted July 24, 2014 Share Posted July 24, 2014 as someone who has had some very bad sunburns in her time, I suggest a doctor. I would hesitate to put anything heavy or oil because it might exacerbate the peeling and leave more skin raw. They might want him to keep it covered with a sterile gauze bandage etc. If it still feels hot and burning, then any fever relief medication can help, such as motrin or tylenol etc. Poor, poor kid. I really feel for him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slartibartfast Posted July 24, 2014 Share Posted July 24, 2014 I agree about the silvadene. I would get some of that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loowit Posted July 24, 2014 Author Share Posted July 24, 2014 Thanks for the ideas. I will call the advice nurse tomorrow if it isn't better. I really don't want to have to take him in for an appointment but I want it to heal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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