Sun burn treatment: what to know

Sunburn is an inflammatory injury caused by ultraviolet exposure. The affected skin may become red, hot, sore, tight, or itchy; stronger burns can form blisters and later peel. The visible redness can be easier to see on some skin tones than others, so warmth and tenderness matter too. Further sun exposure adds irritation while the skin barrier is vulnerable.

Move out of the sun and cool the skin with a cool shower or damp cloth. Pat dry and apply a fragrance-free moisturiser or emollient while the skin is slightly damp. Wear loose clothing and avoid rubbing, scrubbing, popping blisters, or using fragranced products. A pharmacist can advise on a suitable pain reliever. Do not apply numbing products or topical corticosteroids unless a clinician or pharmacist recommends them for your situation. Keep drinking fluids and protect healing skin with shade and clothing.

Seek medical advice for extensive redness, marked swelling, many blisters, worsening pain, pus, or fever. Get urgent help for confusion, faintness, severe weakness, repeated vomiting, breathing difficulty, or trouble keeping fluids down. Burns involving the eyes, lips, or genitals, and burns in babies or young children, should be assessed promptly. Peeling skin can follow a burn; do not pull it away.

Ask which moisturiser is suitable, whether your medicines increase sun sensitivity, and whether any blistered area needs a dressing. Describe the exposure, timing, body area, pain, blistering, and products used so advice can be tailored.