What should you know about Bepanthen for sunburn?

Select a formulation intended for intact skin, check its label and avoid ingredients that have irritated you before. Thick ointment can trap heat if applied while skin is still hot.

Sunburn is an inflammatory response to ultraviolet damage. It commonly presents with warm, tender redness and may later cause peeling. More severe burns can blister and may be accompanied by headache, nausea, dizziness or feeling generally unwell.

Moisturiser can reduce tightness as the barrier recovers, but it does not remove the underlying damage. Further exposure adds injury even when redness has started to settle.

Move out of the sun, cool the area with a cool shower or damp cloth, and drink fluids. Pat the skin dry, then apply a gentle moisturiser while it is slightly damp. Do not place ice directly on the burn.

Leave blisters intact and avoid picking peeling skin. Cover the area with loose clothing and keep it out of direct sunlight while it heals. A pharmacist can help check whether the chosen Bepanthen product and pain relief are suitable for you.

Seek prompt medical care for extensive blistering, severe pain, confusion, faintness, repeated vomiting, feverishness, signs of dehydration or sunburn affecting a baby. Increasing redness, swelling, pus or worsening tenderness after blistering may indicate infection and also needs assessment.

Ask how to dress broken blisters, whether your medicines increase sensitivity to sunlight, which moisturiser is appropriate for the affected area, and when you can restart active skincare products.