Remedies for a bad sunburn

Use cool compresses or a cool shower, drink fluids, apply a gentle unperfumed moisturiser, and cover the area with loose clothing. Home care cannot reverse the skin injury, but it can make recovery more comfortable.

A sunburn is an inflammatory response to ultraviolet injury. Helpful measures remove excess heat without causing cold injury, limit water loss from the damaged barrier, and avoid extra friction or chemicals on sensitive skin.

A product that stings, contains fragrance, or feels heavily occlusive on hot skin may add irritation. Blistering represents deeper injury; ointments and home mixtures do not make it safe to break the blister roof.

Cool the burn with running water, a cool bath, or a clean damp cloth. Do not place ice or frozen packs directly against it. After gently patting dry, apply a simple fragrance-free moisturiser; reapply when the skin feels tight.

Drink regularly, especially if heat exposure made you sweat. Leave blisters alone and use loose fabric to prevent rubbing. Avoid numbing creams, harsh antiseptics, butter, toothpaste, exfoliants, and picking. Check with a pharmacist before taking pain medicine if you have kidney, stomach, bleeding, pregnancy, allergy, or medicine-interaction concerns.

Arrange urgent assessment if the burn covers a large area, has widespread blisters, affects the eyes or other sensitive sites, or causes severe pain. Fever, confusion, fainting, repeated vomiting, pronounced weakness, or inability to keep fluids down can accompany heat illness or dehydration and need prompt care.

Get medical advice if redness spreads beyond the burn, swelling or pain intensifies, or broken skin develops pus or an unpleasant smell. Call emergency services for collapse, severe confusion, breathing difficulty, or reduced responsiveness.

Describe the body areas exposed, whether blisters have opened, and any dizziness, nausea, fever, or reduced urination. Ask which dressing or moisturiser fits the wound, how to manage pain with your current medicines, and what changes would require reassessment.