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Sunburn: what to do and when to get help

Sunburn: general first steps from official advice, such as getting out of the sun and cooling the skin, and the signs that mean you should seek medical help.

Thomas Lefèvre2 min read

A glass of water and a folded towel on a beach chair in shade
Image by PagArt_ from Pixabay

Sunburn is damage to the skin from sun or sunbeds. This page gives general first steps from official health advice. It cannot tell you how bad your burn is. If you are unsure, ask a pharmacist or doctor.

What are the usual first steps?

The NHS suggests these general steps for sunburn:

  1. Get out of the sun as soon as you notice it.
  2. Cool the skin, for example with a cool shower or bath, or a cool damp cloth.
  3. Drink water to stay hydrated.
  4. Use a moisturising lotion, such as an after-sun product, if it feels comfortable.
  5. Ask a pharmacist about pain relief if you need it.
  6. Keep the area covered and out of the sun while it heals.

A rule to use

Mild: redness and soreness on a small area. Self care is usual. Not mild: blisters, a large area, fever, chills, dizziness or confusion. Get medical help. Babies and young children with sunburn should see a doctor.

The exception

Seek urgent medical care if someone has a high temperature, severe pain, swelling, a headache with vomiting, faintness, or blisters over a large area. If a mole or mark changes after sun exposure, see a doctor. See should I get a mole checked.

Do not book a skin treatment, such as a peel or laser, on burnt skin. Tell any practitioner about recent sun. For prevention, see do I need sunscreen every day.

This is general information. Ask a licensed professional about your own case.

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