What should you know about sunburn face swelling treatment?

Sunburn triggers inflammation, and the face can look puffy as fluid moves into irritated tissue. Swelling may occur with redness, heat, tenderness or tightness. Eyelid swelling deserves particular care because the skin is delicate and the eyes can be affected by ultraviolet exposure. Facial swelling after a sun exposure can have other causes too, especially if it is one-sided, itchy, rapidly increasing or accompanied by a rash away from the burn.

Stop sun exposure and place a cool, clean, damp cloth over the area for short periods. Rest with your head raised, drink normally, and use a bland, fragrance-free moisturiser on intact skin. Avoid ice, exfoliation, makeup on raw areas, retinoids, acids and fragranced products until the skin settles. Do not apply steroid cream near the eyes unless a clinician has specifically advised it. A clinician or pharmacist can help choose treatment based on the swelling and your medical history.

Seek emergency help for difficulty breathing or swallowing, swelling of the lips or tongue, faintness, confusion or severe eye pain. Obtain prompt medical assessment for vision changes, marked eyelid swelling, inability to open an eye, extensive blistering, pus, fever or rapidly worsening pain and redness. These features need assessment rather than home treatment alone.

Ask whether the eyes need examination, which products are safe near the eyelids, and whether a prescription treatment is appropriate for the degree of inflammation.