What should you know about spots on sunburn?

Sunburn damages the outer skin and can make redness appear patchy. Tiny fluid-filled areas may be blisters, while dry flakes can develop as injured surface cells shed. Brown or darker marks may remain after the redness settles, especially where inflammation was stronger. A sunburn can also make existing freckles and other sun-damaged areas more noticeable; see Sun-Damaged Skin for context.

The appearance, timing, and sensation help distinguish possibilities. Itching and tightness often accompany healing, but increasing warmth, tenderness, swelling, pus, or spreading redness can signal infection or a more serious burn. Sunburn information and warning signs are covered in Sunburn.

Move out of direct sun, cool the skin with a clean damp cloth or a lukewarm shower, and drink fluids. Do not pop blisters or pull away peeling skin. Apply a bland moisturiser gently to intact skin; Emollient Therapy explains how moisturising supports a damaged skin barrier. Wear loose clothing and use shade and protective clothing while the area heals.

Avoid scrubs, fragranced products, tanning, and further UV exposure. Do not apply steroid creams to broken or infected-looking skin unless a clinician has advised this; Topical Corticosteroids may be considered only for selected inflammatory problems.

Arrange medical advice for extensive blistering, severe pain, marked swelling, fever, dizziness, vomiting, confusion, or signs of dehydration. Seek prompt assessment if redness is rapidly spreading, the skin becomes increasingly painful or hot, or drainage develops. A clinician should also review a spot that persists, changes, bleeds, or appears without a clear link to recent sun exposure.

Ask whether the pattern fits sunburn, post-inflammatory pigment change, or another skin problem; whether any blister needs specific care; and which moisturiser or pain-relief option suits your skin. Mention when the exposure happened, whether the spots itch or hurt, and any medicines or skin products used.