What should you know about damaged skin after sunburn?

Sunburn is an inflammatory injury caused by ultraviolet exposure. Redness and warmth can be followed by tenderness, tightness, or peeling as the outer skin sheds. Fluid-filled areas are blisters and should be treated as injured skin rather than picked or opened.

The visible changes may be limited to one area or spread across exposed skin. Peeling does not mean the deeper irritation has fully settled, so newly exposed skin still needs protection. Repeated sun injury can contribute to longer-term sun-damaged skin.

Move out of direct sun and cool the area with a clean, cool damp cloth or a brief cool shower. Pat dry, then apply a bland moisturiser or emollient while the skin is slightly damp. Drink fluids and wear loose, soft clothing over the affected area.

Do not peel loose skin, burst blisters, scrub, or apply irritating fragranced products. Use broad sun protection and cover the area until it has healed. A clinician may advise a medicine for selected inflammation; do not apply topical corticosteroids to broken or infected skin without individual guidance.

Arrange medical advice for extensive blistering, severe pain, marked swelling, or skin that is becoming more red, hot, or oozy. Urgent assessment is appropriate with confusion, faintness, repeated vomiting, trouble breathing, or signs of serious dehydration after substantial sun exposure.

A clinician can check whether the injury is deeper, whether a blister is infected, and which treatment is suitable for the body area involved. Seek prompt care if a child, older adult, or person with significant medical conditions has a substantial burn.

Ask whether the blistered area needs a dressing, which moisturiser is suitable, and whether any medicine should be used. You can also ask how to protect the healing skin and whether persistent colour change needs review.