swollen face from sun exposure

[cjournigan]

we were at a outdoor concert this weekend and my wife got a little sunburned. her face was barely red. now, her forehead and eyes are swollen to the point that she can't see out of her eyes. now, i have put some time in researching her prob. i am ready for some advice. i just need to know if there is some way to take the swelling down. this is the third day. i have found several people with the same problem but no one can get a straight answer on what the problem actually is or how to stop the swelling. it looks and acts just like an allergic reaction but doesn't seem to react to antihistamines like a regular allergy. cold compresses or antiinflamatories don't seem to help either. thanks for any info.

[npkp123]

Hi this is really old post but my daughter has same symptoms. Did you find any solution of your issue , Please share your recovery ,really appreciate

[Jlee123]

This is currently happening to me for the third time in my life. The burn doesn't hurt, no blisters, just a swollen forehead, then as the days go by, gravity does its thing and the swelling moves to my eyes. From what I've learnt, there's nothing you can do but wait for about 3 days for the swelling to go away... As well as the usual sunburn remedies. Typical sunscreen fail by me, applies it like crazy on the Saturday, and then went for a morning swim on Sunday and forgot. When will I learn? Haha. I'm not even pale, just prone to face sunburn :(

[SammiC7189]

I sunburned on Sunday even after using SPF 45 and now have bad puffiness in my eyelids, especially close to the bridge of my nose.  It started in my forehead and has worked it's way down.  I have ABSOLUTELY NO PAIN AT ALL!! Just the puffiness.  I have applied both cold and warm compresses and it helped my forehead but not the tissue in my eyelids.  Any suggestions as to what I can apply to them to reduce the puffiness??

[Geddyup]

Hello,
  I was in the sun for three hours.  I live in Costa Rica but am visiting France.  I do not feel sunburned but I am it itching severely on my upper torso.  My face is swollen somewhat.  What can id do.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
This looks like severe sunburn. You need to apply soothing pain relief ointments such as ligocaine to the area. Also she should avoid any outside movement under the sun and any further exposure. Over the counter pain relief medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can also be taken. Wash the face with cold water only without apply any soaps or creams. If the symptoms don’t subside then you should consult your physician as she may need oral steroids to bring down the swelling.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.