How common is peeling skin in sunburn?

Peeling usually appears after the earlier redness, warmth, tenderness, or swelling begin to settle. It reflects shedding of injured surface cells; the fresh skin underneath may feel dry, sensitive, or itchy. Peeling can affect exposed areas such as the shoulders, back, chest, face, arms, and legs. The amount of peeling does not by itself show how serious the burn is, and similar flaking can have other causes.

Do not pull, pick, or scrub loose skin. Wash gently with cool or lukewarm water, pat dry, and apply a plain moisturiser while the skin is slightly damp. Drink normally, wear loose clothing, and keep the area out of direct sun; cover it with clothing rather than relying on a product alone. Avoid numbing sprays or creams that irritate you, and do not place ice directly on the skin.

Get medical advice for large blisters, severe pain, marked swelling, pus, spreading redness, or fever. Urgent care is appropriate for confusion, fainting, severe weakness, repeated vomiting, trouble breathing, or signs of dehydration such as very little urine. Burns involving the eyes, lips, face, hands, or genitals should be assessed promptly, as should burns in a young child or someone medically vulnerable.

Ask how to care for any blisters, which moisturiser is suitable, whether a medicine could ease itching or pain, and when it is safe to resume usual sun exposure. Tell the clinician how long the burn has been present and whether symptoms are improving.