What should you know about sunburn bubbling up?

A blister is a pocket of fluid beneath injured surface skin. It may appear with marked redness, warmth, tenderness, swelling, or later peeling. This pattern fits a more intense form of Sunburn; see the condition guide for background on healing and prevention. Do not pop the blisters, because the intact roof helps shield vulnerable skin from irritation and germs.

Move out of direct sun and cool the skin with a clean, cool, damp cloth or a lukewarm shower. Drink fluids, wear loose clothing, and avoid rubbing, ice, adhesive dressings, and fragranced products. Keep blisters clean and covered with a non-stick dressing if clothing will touch them. After the skin closes, a bland moisturiser or Emollient Therapy can reduce dryness. Do not apply steroid creams to broken or blistered skin unless a clinician advises it.

Arrange prompt medical assessment if blisters are widespread, very painful, infected-looking, or on the face, hands, feet, or genitals. Seek urgent help for confusion, faintness, repeated vomiting, severe headache, breathing difficulty, or inability to drink. Get advice if a blister opens and develops spreading redness, pus, increasing warmth, or fever. A clinician can decide whether wound care or prescription treatment is appropriate.

Ask whether the blistered area needs a dressing, which pain relief is suitable for you, and when you can return to outdoor activity. Mention any medicines or conditions that affect healing.