Sunburn turning purple after a week

As a burn settles, injured skin can change from bright [Skin Redness](/symptoms/skin-redness/) to dusky red, brown or purple tones, especially where swelling or blistering occurred. Colour alone cannot identify the cause. Purple patches that are spreading, very painful, cool, numb, swollen, or associated with bleeding need an examination. [Peeling Skin](/symptoms/skin-peeling/) may occur during recovery, while [Skin Blisters](/symptoms/skin-blisters/) represent a more intense injury. See [Sunburn](/conditions/sunburn/) for broader context.

Keep the area out of direct sunlight and cover it with soft, loose clothing. Use cool compresses for comfort and apply a bland moisturiser; [Emollient Therapy](/treatments/medical-dermatology/emollient-therapy/) may help with dryness once the skin surface is closed. Do not massage, scratch, peel, or pop blisters. Photograph the area in consistent light so you can notice whether the colour or size is changing. Arrange a medical review if the purple colour is new, worsening, or not gradually settling.

Seek urgent care for severe or rapidly increasing pain, numbness, cold skin, rapidly spreading purple areas, marked swelling, fever, confusion, fainting, or breathing difficulty. Prompt review is also appropriate for pus, red streaks, bleeding under the skin, or a wound that is becoming more tender rather than calmer.

Ask whether the colour fits normal burn healing or needs testing, how to dress any open blister, and whether [Topical Corticosteroids](/treatments/medical-dermatology/topical-corticosteroids/) are suitable. Tell the clinician when the purple colour began and whether pain, swelling or fever changed with it.