Sunburns: Quick Help and Smart Prevention

Sunburn feels awful and can ruin plans fast. If your skin is red, hot, or painful after too much sun, you need simple steps that actually work. This page gives clear first-aid tips, home treatments, and reliable prevention so you can avoid repeat burns.

Not all sunburns are the same. Mild sunburn causes redness and discomfort. Moderate sunburn adds swelling and blisters. Severe sunburn may cause fever, chills, nausea, or confusion — that needs medical attention. Pay attention to how your body reacts, not just how your skin looks.

Treating a fresh sunburn

Cool the skin first. Use a cool shower or a damp cloth for 10–20 minutes to lower heat. Avoid ice directly on skin. Pat your skin dry gently and wear loose cotton clothes.

Hydrate from the inside. Sunburn draws fluid to the skin, so drink water and electrolyte drinks. For pain and inflammation, over-the-counter ibuprofen or naproxen helps — follow the label or your doctor’s advice.

Use topical relief. Apply aloe vera gel or a moisturizer with ceramides to soothe the skin and lock in moisture. Avoid petroleum on fresh blisters because it can trap heat. If blisters form, don’t pop them — cover with a clean, loose bandage and let them heal.

Watch for danger signs. Seek medical help if you have severe blistering over large areas, high fever, fainting, or signs of infection (increasing pain, pus, red streaks). Infants, older adults, and people on certain medications can get worse burns and should see a doctor sooner.

Preventing sunburns

Sunscreen is your best bet. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Apply 15 minutes before going out and reapply every two hours, more often if swimming or sweating. Don’t forget ears, bald spots, lips, and the tops of feet.

Cover up smart. Wear a wide-brim hat, UV-blocking sunglasses, and tightly woven clothing. A long-sleeve shirt and lightweight pants block a lot more UV than you think. Stay in the shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV is strongest.

Know your risk. Cloudy days still have UV rays. Reflective surfaces like water, sand, and snow increase exposure. Check the local UV index when planning outdoor time — anything over 6 means take extra care.

If you take medications like doxycycline, isotretinoin, or certain diuretics, your skin may burn faster. Tell your doctor about your sun sensitivity and ask if extra protection is needed. For repeated burns, consider a yearly skin check to catch early signs of sun damage or skin cancer — early finds are easier to treat now.

After a burn, give your skin time to recover. Avoid tanning beds and extra sun until the area fully heals. If you get sunburned often, consider seeing a dermatologist to check your skin and talk about sun-safe habits.

Sunburn is avoidable with simple steps: cool the skin, hydrate, use proper topical care, and be consistent with sunscreen and protective clothing. Acting fast reduces pain and lowers the chance of lasting skin damage.