What are the treatment options for sunburn?

Sunburn is an ultraviolet injury that makes skin red, hot, tender, and sometimes swollen. More severe injury can produce blisters, peeling, headache, nausea, or feeling unwell. The visible redness may worsen after the exposure, so gentle care should continue even if the initial discomfort seems manageable.

The aim is to reduce heat and irritation while the outer skin barrier repairs. Emollient therapy can ease dryness and tightness once the skin is cool. Do not deliberately break blisters, peel loose skin, or apply ice directly, because these actions can further injure the area.

Move out of the sun, take a cool shower or use cool damp cloths, and pat the skin dry. Apply a bland emollient while the skin is slightly damp, wear loose clothing, and drink fluids. Avoid more ultraviolet exposure until the skin has healed. A pharmacist or clinician can advise on suitable pain relief for you.

Topical corticosteroids are not routine treatment for every sunburn; a clinician may consider them for selected inflammatory reactions. Get advice before applying medicines to blistered, broken, or infected skin. More information is available about [Sunburn](/conditions/sunburn/), [Emollient Therapy](/treatments/medical-dermatology/emollient-therapy/), and [Topical Corticosteroids](/treatments/medical-dermatology/topical-corticosteroids/).

Seek urgent care for extensive blistering, severe pain, confusion, fainting, repeated vomiting, difficulty breathing, signs of dehydration, or a sunburn affecting the eyes. Medical review is also needed for a child with a significant burn, fever with worsening skin redness, or drainage suggesting infection.

Ask whether the burn needs dressing care, which emollient is suitable, whether blisters should be examined, how to manage pain safely, and what symptoms would mean that you need urgent review.