What should you know about sunburn drink?

Sunburned skin is inflamed and a hot day may also leave you dehydrated. Thirst, a dry mouth, headache, dizziness or unusually dark urine can suggest that you need fluids. Water is a sensible first choice; a balanced drink may help when you have also been sweating or losing fluids. Alcohol can worsen dehydration and may make it harder to notice worsening symptoms.

Move indoors or into shade, sip water frequently, and eat normally if you can. Cool the skin with a damp cloth, then use a bland moisturiser on intact skin. Avoid additional sun, hot showers, scrubbing and fragranced products. Do not rely on a drink marketed as a sunburn cure. If you take medication or have a heart, kidney or fluid-balance condition, ask a clinician how much fluid is suitable.

Get urgent help for fainting, confusion, inability to keep fluids down, severe weakness, trouble breathing or a very high body temperature. Contact a clinician for extensive blisters, worsening pain, spreading redness, pus, or dehydration symptoms that do not improve after resting and drinking. Children and older adults can become unwell quickly and need a lower threshold for advice.

Ask which fluids fit your health conditions, whether your symptoms suggest dehydration, and how to care for blistered or peeling skin.