Caring for your skin after sunburn

A cool shower or damp compress can ease heat and discomfort. Avoid ice directly on the skin, harsh exfoliation and picking at peeling areas. Large blisters, severe general symptoms or burns affecting a broad area deserve medical assessment.

Sunburn is an inflammatory reaction after ultraviolet radiation damages skin cells. Sunburn commonly presents with redness, warmth, tenderness and later peeling; a deeper injury can blister. Symptoms may become more noticeable after leaving the sun rather than appearing immediately.

Peeling is the skin shedding damaged surface cells. Pulling loose skin can expose tender tissue and create breaks where infection can enter. Repeated ultraviolet injury also contributes to premature skin changes, so aftercare should include a plan to prevent another burn.

Take cool showers, pat dry and apply a fragrance-free moisturiser while the skin is slightly damp. Drink water regularly, especially if you have been outdoors in heat. If you normally can take an over-the-counter pain reliever, follow its label and check with a pharmacist when medicines or health conditions make the choice uncertain.

Leave intact blisters in place because their covering protects the tissue beneath. If one opens, rinse gently, keep it clean and cover it with a non-stick dressing. Stay out of direct sun until the skin has recovered; clothing and shade give the injured area dependable physical protection.

Get urgent medical help if sunburn is accompanied by confusion, fainting, marked weakness, repeated vomiting, trouble drinking, breathing difficulty or signs of heat illness. A burn with extensive blistering, severe swelling, uncontrolled pain, or involvement of the eyes also needs prompt evaluation.

Contact a clinician if redness and pain are worsening rather than settling, or if broken skin develops pus, spreading warmth, increasing tenderness or fever. Babies, young children and people with conditions that affect healing may need earlier assessment for a significant burn.

Ask how to dress any open blister, whether your current medicines make sunlight reactions more likely, and which moisturiser suits damaged skin. You can also ask when it is reasonable to resume swimming, exercise or active skincare, and how to choose sun protection for your skin type and daily routine.