What should you know about ear sunburn?

The ears are easy to miss when sunscreen is applied, yet their thin exposed skin can become red, hot, sore, swollen, or sensitive after ultraviolet exposure. Peeling may appear as the surface repairs itself; blisters indicate more substantial injury. Explore [Skin Redness](/symptoms/skin-redness/), [Peeling Skin](/symptoms/skin-peeling/), or [Skin Blisters](/symptoms/skin-blisters/) for related symptoms. Repeated exposure contributes to [Sun-Damaged Skin](/conditions/photoaging/).

Move out of direct sun and place a cool, clean damp cloth over the ear for short periods. Use a gentle cleanser, pat dry, and apply a bland moisturiser or emollient while the skin is intact; see [Emollient Therapy](/treatments/medical-dermatology/emollient-therapy/). Do not burst blisters, peel loose skin, or apply ice directly. Wear a hat that shades the ears and keep using broad-spectrum sunscreen on healed skin. A clinician may advise treatment for marked inflammation; do not use [Topical Corticosteroids](/treatments/medical-dermatology/topical-corticosteroids/) on broken or infected skin without guidance.

Contact a clinician when pain or swelling is intense, blisters are extensive, the ear canal is involved, or symptoms are not improving. Seek urgent help for fever, pus, rapidly spreading redness, dizziness, confusion, vomiting, or signs of dehydration. See [Sunburn](/conditions/sunburn/) for broader guidance.

Ask whether the burn is superficial or blistering, which moisturiser is suitable, how to protect the ear during healing, whether an anti-inflammatory treatment is appropriate, and which changes would indicate infection.