Severe Sunburn: What to Know

Sunburn is an inflammatory reaction to ultraviolet exposure. Severe injury may cause bright or deep skin redness, warmth, marked tenderness, swelling, fluid-filled blisters and later peeling. Chills, headache, nausea, dizziness or unusual weakness can signal that the exposure has affected more than the skin. Blistering areas are vulnerable to infection, while repeated exposure contributes to sun-damaged skin over time.

Move indoors, take a cool bath or shower, and apply a cool damp cloth. Use a bland moisturiser or emollient therapy after cooling; avoid alcohol-heavy products, scrubbing and breaking blisters. Drink fluids, wear loose clothing, and keep the area out of direct sunlight until healed. A clinician may consider topical corticosteroids or other care for selected inflammation, so ask before applying prescription treatment.

Get prompt medical advice for extensive blistering, severe pain, facial swelling, eye symptoms, signs of infection, or a burn involving a child or vulnerable adult. Seek urgent help for confusion, fainting, repeated vomiting, inability to drink, severe dizziness, breathing difficulty or a high fever. Do not peel loose skin or drain blisters yourself.

Ask how to protect blistered skin, which pain-relief options fit your health history, and whether a prescription cream is suitable. Discuss fluid replacement, infection warning signs, and when you can return to outdoor activities.