What should you know about get a sunburn?

Sunburn commonly causes warmth, tenderness, redness, and later peeling in exposed skin. More intense injury can produce fluid-filled blisters, swelling, headache, nausea, fever, or marked tiredness. Peeling is the skin shedding damaged surface cells; pulling it away can expose fragile skin and increase irritation. Repeated ultraviolet exposure also contributes to long-term sun-damaged skin.

Move out of direct sunlight and use a cool, damp cloth or a cool shower for comfort. Apply a bland moisturiser or [Emollient Therapy](/treatments/medical-dermatology/emollient-therapy/) while the skin is slightly damp. Drink fluids, wear loose clothing, and leave blisters intact. Do not scrub peeling skin or apply ice directly. Keep the area covered from sunlight until it settles; [Sunburn](/conditions/sunburn/) explains the condition in more detail.

Get medical advice for extensive blistering, severe pain, facial or eye involvement, confusion, faintness, repeated vomiting, breathing difficulty, or fever with worsening illness. Seek prompt review for a child or vulnerable person with a significant burn. Severe symptoms can reflect heat illness as well as skin injury.

How extensive is the burn? How should I dress blistered skin? Which pain relief is suitable for me? Do I need treatment for inflammation? When can I return to outdoor activities?