What should you know about neck sunburn?

Sunburn develops after ultraviolet exposure damages skin cells. The neck is easy to miss when applying sunscreen, especially along the hairline, behind the ears, and below a collar. Redness, warmth, tenderness, tightness, and mild swelling may appear after exposure; peeling can follow as the surface repairs itself.

Blisters indicate a deeper burn and should be protected rather than opened. Repeated sun injury can contribute to sun-damaged skin, including uneven colour, rough texture, and lines. A sunburn is not a reason to tan again once the redness settles.

Move out of the sun, cool the area with a cool damp cloth or a brief cool shower, and drink fluids. Apply a bland moisturiser or emollient to intact skin while it is slightly damp. Wear a loose, soft collar and avoid rubbing, fragranced products, exfoliants, and further sun exposure until the skin settles.

Do not break blisters or pull peeling skin. Cover healed skin with clothing and broad-spectrum sunscreen, reapplying as directed when outdoors. A clinician may advise a topical corticosteroid for selected inflammation; do not apply prescription products to broken or infected skin unless instructed.

Seek medical advice for extensive blistering, severe pain, marked swelling, pus, worsening redness, fever, vomiting, dizziness, confusion, or inability to drink. Get urgent help for facial or neck swelling with trouble breathing or swallowing, fainting, or signs of serious heat illness.

Ask whether the burn is superficial or deeper, how to dress any blisters, which moisturiser is suitable, whether a topical corticosteroid is appropriate, and when normal sun protection can resume.