What should you know about sunburn and swollen face?

Ultraviolet injury causes inflammation, and the face can look puffy as irritated skin holds extra fluid. Redness, heat, tightness, tenderness, peeling, or blisters may occur at the same time. Eyelid skin is particularly delicate. Swelling after sun exposure can also have another cause, such as a product reaction, insect bite, or infection, so the timing and distribution matter.

Leave the sun and cool the face with a clean, cool damp cloth for short periods. Keep the head raised when resting, avoid rubbing the skin, and use a bland emollient on intact areas. Do not apply ice directly, pop blisters, or use exfoliants, perfume, or harsh cleansers. Stop new cosmetics until the skin settles. A clinician may consider a topical corticosteroid for selected inflammation after examining the affected area.

Get urgent help if swelling affects the lips, tongue, mouth, or throat, or if there is wheezing, difficulty breathing, faintness, or trouble swallowing. Seek prompt review for severe facial pain, eye pain or vision change, extensive blisters, fever, pus, or rapidly increasing swelling. Arrange medical advice when the face remains markedly swollen or the skin is not improving with gentle care.

Ask whether the swelling fits the burn, whether the eyes need examination, which products are safe on your face, and whether a medicine or cosmetic could be adding to the reaction.