What should you know about scars from sunburn?

Redness, tenderness, peeling, and uneven colour after ultraviolet exposure are often part of the healing response rather than a formed scar. Blistering indicates a more severe burn, and picking peeling skin can increase irritation and the chance of marks. Darker or lighter patches may persist after the inflammation fades. Repeated exposure can also contribute to sun-damaged skin, with a rougher texture and more uneven pigmentation over time.

Cool the skin gently, drink fluids, and use a bland moisturiser or emollient on intact skin. Avoid further sun exposure, hot showers, scrubbing, and peeling loose skin. Cover the area with clothing and use broad-spectrum sun protection when exposure cannot be avoided. A clinician may recommend treatment for significant inflammation, but topical corticosteroids should not be used casually on broken or infected skin. Let blisters heal without deliberately opening them.

Seek prompt care for extensive blistering, severe pain, confusion, faintness, repeated vomiting, dehydration, or signs of infection such as increasing warmth, pus, or spreading redness. Arrange a dermatology review when colour or texture changes remain after the burn has healed, especially if a spot becomes rough, crusted, tender, or changes on its own.

Ask whether the area is still healing or has formed a scar, which moisturiser is suitable, and how to shield it from ultraviolet exposure. If blisters are present, ask how to dress them and which symptoms indicate infection. For persistent marks, ask whether they fit post-inflammatory colour change, sun-damaged skin, or another diagnosis.