Sunburn is red, hot and sore skin caused by too much sun. It may flake and peel after a few days. You can treat it yourself. It usually gets better within 7 days.
How to ease sunburn yourself
Do
- get out of the sun as soon as possible
- cool your skin with a cool shower, bath or damp towel (take care not to let a baby or young child get too cold)
- apply aftersun cream or spray, like aloe vera
- drink plenty of water to cool down and prevent dehydration
- take painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen for any pain
- cover sunburnt skin from direct sunlight until skin has fully healed
Don’t
- do not use petroleum jelly on sunburnt skin
- do not put ice or ice packs on sunburnt skin
- do not pop any blisters
- do not scratch or try to remove peeling skin
- do not wear tight-fitting clothes over sunburnt skin
You can ask a pharmacist:
- about the best sunburn treatments
- if you need to see a GP
Non-urgent advice:
See a GP urgently or call NHS 111 if:
- your skin is blistered or swollen
- your temperature is very high, or you feel hot and shivery
- you feel very tired, dizzy and sick
- you have a headache and muscle cramps
- your baby or young child has sunburn
Severe sunburn can lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which can be very serious.