Sunburn blister treatment: what to know

A blister represents deeper skin irritation than simple redness. Treatment depends on its size, location, whether it is intact, and whether infection or dehydration is present. Most care is supportive: protect the fluid-filled roof, reduce heat and friction, and allow the surface to recover. A clinician may recommend a dressing or prescription treatment after examining the burn; do not apply antibiotics or steroid products without advice.

Leave the sun, cool the area with clean water or a cool damp cloth, and pat it dry. Keep blisters intact, avoid adhesive directly over fragile skin, and use a clean non-stick covering if needed. Apply a bland moisturiser to intact surrounding skin and drink fluids. Do not scrub, peel, or use ice, alcohol, fragranced products, or numbing products that irritate the area. See [Sunburn](/conditions/sunburn/), [Skin Blisters](/symptoms/skin-blisters/), and [Emollient Therapy](/treatments/medical-dermatology/emollient-therapy/).

Contact a clinician for extensive blistering, burns over the face, hands, feet, or genitals, severe pain, or a blister that cannot be protected. Seek prompt help for fever, pus, spreading redness, increasing warmth, dizziness, confusion, repeated vomiting, or trouble drinking. Urgent assessment is needed for breathing difficulty, collapse, or eye symptoms. Related signs include [Skin Redness](/symptoms/skin-redness/) and [Peeling Skin](/symptoms/skin-peeling/).

Does this blister need drainage or a special dressing? Which pain-relief option is safe with my medicines? Should I use a prescription cream, and what changes would mean the wound is infected?