What should you know about extreme sun burn?

Sunburn can continue to feel worse after the exposure has ended. The affected skin may feel hot, tender and tight, then blister or peel as damaged surface cells shed. Large areas, blistering, marked swelling or symptoms such as headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, chills or fever suggest more than a mild local burn. Children, older adults and people with significant medical conditions can become unwell more quickly. Sun-damaged skin also accumulates injury over time, so repeated burns contribute to photoaging.

Move out of the sun, take a cool shower or apply cool damp cloths, drink fluids and wear loose clothing. Apply a plain moisturiser or emollient while the skin is intact. Do not break blisters, peel loose skin or apply ice directly. Keep the area covered from further sunlight. A clinician may advise appropriate pain relief or topical corticosteroids in selected cases; do not use a steroid product on blistered or broken skin unless instructed.

Seek prompt medical care for extensive blistering, severe pain, burns involving the face, eyes, hands or genitals, or signs of dehydration such as very little urine and marked dizziness. Emergency help is appropriate for confusion, fainting, breathing difficulty, repeated vomiting or inability to drink.

Ask how deep or extensive the burn appears, how to dress blisters, which moisturiser or medicine is suitable, and when normal sun exposure and skincare can resume.