Swelling with a bad sunburn

Cool the area gently, remove tight jewellery or clothing early, drink fluids, and keep the skin out of the sun. Marked, rapidly increasing, facial, or eye-area swelling needs medical assessment.

Inflammation widens small blood vessels and makes them leak fluid into nearby tissue. The area may look puffy and feel hot, tight, or tender. Swelling can be more noticeable where skin is loose, including around the eyes, or where a limb hangs downward.

Blisters may occur alongside swelling when injury extends deeper into the skin. Swelling alone does not show the full severity; the area involved, pain, blistering, hydration, and whole-body symptoms matter when deciding whether care is urgent.

Apply a clean cloth dampened with cool water, or take a cool shower. If an arm or leg is affected, raising it comfortably may reduce fluid pooling. Take off rings, watches, or snug garments before swelling makes them difficult to remove.

Pat the skin dry and apply fragrance-free moisturiser without pressing on blisters. Sip fluids and rest somewhere cool. Do not massage swollen skin, puncture blisters, or use ice directly. Before using an anti-inflammatory pain reliever, check suitability with a pharmacist if you have other conditions or take regular medicines.

Seek urgent help for swelling around the eyes that affects vision, swelling of the lips or tongue, breathing or swallowing difficulty, rapidly worsening puffiness, severe pain, or widespread blistering. Breathing difficulty or reduced responsiveness is an emergency.

Medical review is also appropriate for fever, confusion, dizziness, faintness, vomiting, very dark or reduced urine, or difficulty drinking. New spreading redness, pus, increasing warmth, or worsening tenderness after the burn may indicate infection rather than uncomplicated inflammation.

Ask whether the degree and location of swelling require a dressing or examination of the eyes, how to protect any blisters, and which pain treatment is compatible with your health history. Mention all medicines and any symptoms that began away from the burned skin.