Sunburned Lips Treatment

Sunburn treatment is supportive because ultraviolet exposure has irritated the lip surface. Redness, heat, tenderness, tightness, peeling, and blisters can reflect different degrees of surface injury. Care should also allow a clinician to check for another problem when the pattern is unusual. A recurring blister with tingling may be a cold sore; a crust that persists needs assessment. [Sunburn](/conditions/sunburn/) and [Skin Blisters](/symptoms/skin-blisters/) provide useful background.

Get out of the sun and apply a cool, clean, damp cloth without rubbing. Use a bland, fragrance-free emollient frequently enough to prevent cracking, provided it does not sting. Keep the blister roof in place and never scrape peeling skin. Drink fluids and choose cool, soft foods while chewing or acidic foods are uncomfortable. A suitable pain reliever may help, but follow the label and check with a pharmacist if you have medical conditions or take other medicines. Do not use topical corticosteroids, antibiotic creams, anaesthetic gels, or home remedies on the lips unless a clinician recommends a specific product. [Topical Corticosteroids](/treatments/medical-dermatology/topical-corticosteroids/) are not automatically appropriate for this location.

Seek medical advice for extensive blistering, severe pain, worsening swelling, pus, spreading redness, fever, repeated episodes, or symptoms that fail to improve. Get urgent help if swelling affects breathing or swallowing, or if drinking becomes difficult. A clinician may examine the surface and choose treatment based on whether the cause is sunburn, infection, allergy, or another lip condition.

Which product is safest for this part of the lip? Do I need examination before using a prescription cream? Could a recurring blister indicate a cold sore? What should I use for future ultraviolet protection?