What should you know about tan after sunburn?

Sunburn is an ultraviolet injury. As the skin responds, pigment-producing cells may make more melanin, leaving a darker area after redness settles. Peeling can make the colour uneven, and the change may fade gradually. A tan does not cancel the original injury or provide dependable protection from further ultraviolet exposure.

The appearance can vary with skin tone and the depth of the burn. Tender redness, warmth, swelling, peeling, or blisters suggest active injury rather than a simple colour change.

Stay out of direct sun while the skin is tender, cover the area with clothing, and use broad-spectrum sunscreen on exposed healed skin as directed on the label. Cool showers, gentle cleansing, fluids, and a plain moisturiser may ease discomfort. Do not peel loose skin, pop blisters, scrub the area, or use tanning beds.

Emollient therapy may help dryness once the skin surface is intact. Ask a clinician before applying a medicated cream to blistered or broken skin; treatment should match the severity and location.

Seek medical advice for extensive blistering, severe or increasing pain, marked swelling, pus, spreading redness, fever, dizziness, vomiting, confusion, or signs of dehydration. Urgent help is appropriate for fainting, breathing difficulty, or swelling of the face. A burn involving the eyes or causing vision changes also needs prompt assessment.

Is the colour change consistent with healing pigment, and is the burn deep enough to need examination? When can I resume normal outdoor activity? Which moisturiser or medicine is suitable if peeling, itching, or blisters continue?