What should you know about immediate sunburn relief?

Sunburn is an inflammatory reaction after ultraviolet exposure. Redness, warmth, tenderness and tightness can become clearer after the exposure has ended; peeling may follow as damaged surface cells shed. The burn can affect skin that feels manageable at first, so keep watching the area as symptoms evolve.

Sunburned skin is more vulnerable to friction, heat and additional ultraviolet exposure. Blisters indicate a deeper burn and should be protected rather than opened. Children, older adults and anyone with dizziness, nausea or unusual weakness may need earlier assessment.

Move out of the sun and take a cool, not icy, shower or apply a cool damp cloth for short periods. Pat the skin dry, then use a bland moisturiser or emollient while the skin is still slightly damp. Drink fluids, wear loose soft clothing, and use an ordinary pain reliever only if it is safe for you and you follow its label directions.

Do not rub, peel or burst blisters, apply ice directly, or use harsh antiseptics, fragranced products or numbing products that irritate your skin. Keep the area covered from sunlight until comfortable and healed. [Sunburn](/conditions/sunburn/) and [Emollient Therapy](/treatments/medical-dermatology/emollient-therapy/) provide related guidance.

Arrange medical care for extensive blistering, severe swelling, worsening pain, signs of infection, eye involvement, or a burn affecting the face, hands or genitals. Seek urgent help for confusion, fainting, persistent vomiting, severe headache, breathing difficulty or inability to keep fluids down. Do not delay care because the redness looks mild.

Ask which pain medicines and moisturisers are suitable for you, how to protect blisters, and whether another condition could explain unusual symptoms. If redness or peeling persists, ask whether [Skin Redness](/symptoms/skin-redness/) or [Peeling Skin](/symptoms/skin-peeling/) guidance applies.