Sunburn treatment at home

Sunburn inflames skin after ultraviolet exposure. The area may feel hot, sore or tight before [Peeling Skin](/symptoms/skin-peeling/) appears. [Skin Redness](/symptoms/skin-redness/) can be more noticeable on lighter skin, while darker skin may look dusky or feel tender without obvious redness. Blisters indicate more significant injury. Healing skin remains sensitive even when discomfort begins to ease; read about [Sunburn](/conditions/sunburn/).

Move indoors, take a cool shower or use a cool damp cloth, and gently pat the skin dry. Apply a fragrance-free moisturiser or [Emollient Therapy](/treatments/medical-dermatology/emollient-therapy/) while the skin is damp. Drink extra fluids, wear loose clothing, and rest. Do not use ice directly, scrub the area, pull peeling skin, or pop blisters. Follow the label for any pain medicine and check with a pharmacist if you have a medical condition or take other medicines. Protect the area from more sun until healed.

Contact a clinician for large or numerous blisters, severe pain, spreading swelling, fever, chills, nausea, dizziness, fainting, confusion, or difficulty drinking. Get urgent help for breathing problems, marked weakness, eye pain, or vision changes. Increasing warmth, pus, or worsening tenderness can signal infection and deserves assessment.

Ask which moisturiser is suitable, whether your pain relief is safe with your medicines, and whether [Topical Corticosteroids](/treatments/medical-dermatology/topical-corticosteroids/) have a role. Describe the exposed body area, blistering, and whether symptoms are improving.