What should you know about sunburn care?

Sunburn is an inflammatory reaction to ultraviolet exposure. Skin may feel hot, red, tight, sore, or itchy, and peeling can follow as injured surface cells shed. The colour and discomfort may continue to change after you leave the sun. Blisters indicate more substantial injury; read about Skin Blisters if they appear.

Cool the area with a cool damp cloth or lukewarm shower, then pat dry. Apply a plain moisturiser while the skin is slightly damp, and repeat when it feels dry; Emollient Therapy may be discussed with a clinician. Wear soft, loose clothing, drink regularly, and avoid further sun until the skin settles. Do not scrub peeling skin, use ice directly, or apply fragranced products to tender areas. A pharmacist can help you choose suitable pain relief.

Contact a clinician promptly for extensive blistering, severe pain, eye symptoms, or burns affecting the face or genitals. Seek urgent help for faintness, confusion, repeated vomiting, severe dehydration, or breathing problems. Medical advice is also appropriate when broken skin develops pus, spreading redness, increasing warmth, or fever.

Ask which moisturiser and pain medicine fit your health history, whether any blisters need dressings, and how to protect the area while it heals.