What should you know about infected sunburn?

Sunburn can cause redness, heat, tenderness, blisters, and later peeling. Infection is more concerning when pain intensifies instead of easing, redness expands beyond the burned area, the skin becomes increasingly swollen or warm, or blisters produce cloudy fluid, pus, or an unpleasant smell. Fever, chills, or feeling unwell can accompany a more significant infection.

Broken blisters leave an open route for bacteria. Do not peel loose skin, pop blisters, scrub the area, or apply butter, oils, or unprescribed creams. A cool, clean compress and gentle handling can reduce irritation while you arrange advice.

Move out of direct sun, drink fluids if you can, and keep the area clean and lightly protected. Use a plain moisturiser or emollient on intact skin if it feels comfortable; avoid products on open or infected areas unless advised. A clinician may recommend wound care or medicine after examining the burn. Do not use topical corticosteroids on broken or infected skin without specific medical instructions. Protect healing skin from further sun exposure.

Seek urgent care for extensive blistering, severe pain, rapidly spreading redness, pus, red streaks, high fever, confusion, faintness, repeated vomiting, severe thirst with very little urine, or breathing difficulty. Burns involving the eyes, face, hands, genitals, or large joints deserve prompt medical advice, as do burns in young children or people with significant health conditions.

Ask whether the skin is infected or simply inflamed, how to dress any open blisters, and whether a swab or medicine is needed. Ask which moisturiser is suitable, when bathing and exercise are safe, and how to protect peeling skin while it repairs.