What should you know about degree of sunburn?

A milder burn often causes pink or red, warm, tender skin after ultraviolet exposure. More intense injury can cause swelling, marked pain, fluid-filled blisters and later peeling. The amount of visible redness does not always show the full extent of injury, especially on deeper skin tones, so pain, warmth, blistering and how you feel also matter.

Sunburn can affect any exposed area, including the scalp, ears, lips and backs of the hands. Repeated ultraviolet injury contributes to Sun-Damaged Skin over time. Peeling is part of the skin's repair response; it is not a reason to pull away loose skin.

Move out of the sun, cool the skin with a lukewarm shower or cool damp cloth, drink fluids and wear loose clothing. Apply a bland moisturiser or Emollient Therapy while the skin is comfortable to touch. Do not burst blisters, scrub peeling skin or apply ice directly. Protect the area from further sun until it has healed.

For discomfort, ask a pharmacist or clinician which pain medicine is suitable for you, especially if you have other medical conditions or take regular medicines. Topical products should not be applied to broken skin unless a clinician recommends them. Avoid tanning while the area remains irritated.

Get medical advice for extensive blistering, severe pain, signs of infection, worsening swelling or a burn involving the eyes, face, hands, genitals or a large area. Seek urgent care for confusion, fainting, repeated vomiting, severe weakness, trouble breathing or inability to drink. A clinician may decide whether treatments such as Topical Corticosteroids are appropriate; do not self-start them on blistered skin.

Ask how deep the burn appears, how to care for any blisters, which moisturiser or pain relief is suitable, and what changes suggest infection. If the eyes, lips or face are involved, ask whether you need same-day assessment.