What should you know about foot sunburn?

Sunburn may affect the tops of the feet, toes, ankles, or any exposed skin around footwear. Skin redness, heat, tenderness, and tightness can appear first; peeling may follow as the damaged outer layer sheds. More intense exposure can produce fluid-filled skin blisters. Repeated ultraviolet injury contributes to sun-damaged skin over time, so a foot can be affected even when the rest of the body feels normal.

Move out of direct sun and cool the skin with a clean, cool damp cloth or a lukewarm rinse. Pat dry and apply a plain moisturizer or emollient therapy while the skin is intact. Drink fluids, keep footwear loose, and avoid rubbing or peeling the area. Do not puncture blisters; cover them lightly if they may catch on shoes. Once healed, use shade, covered footwear, and broad-spectrum sunscreen on exposed skin to reduce another burn.

Get medical advice for extensive blistering, severe swelling, worsening pain, signs of infection, or a burn that makes walking difficult. Seek urgent help for confusion, faintness, repeated vomiting, or trouble breathing after substantial sun exposure. A clinician may advise whether a topical corticosteroid is appropriate; do not apply prescription treatment to broken or infected skin without guidance.

Are the blisters superficial or do they need a dressing? How should I protect the feet while walking? Would a topical corticosteroid help the inflammation, and what symptoms would suggest infection?