Sunburn
Sunburn is 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.
If these symptoms are severe, persistent or worsening, seek medical advice promptly.
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On this page
Sunburn is 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.
Symptoms of sunburn
If you have sunburn, your skin may:
- feel hot to touch
- feel sore or painful
- flake or peel - this usually happens a few days after you get sunburn
Your skin may also blister if your sunburn is severe.
If you have white skin, your skin will usually be red or pink. If you have black or brown skin, you may not notice a change in the colour of your skin.
How to ease sunburn yourself
There are things you can do to help ease symptoms of sunburn.
Do
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get out of the sun as soon as possible
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cool your skin with a cool shower, bath or damp towel (take care not to let a baby or young child get too cold)
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apply aftersun cream or spray
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drink plenty of water to cool down and prevent dehydration
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take painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen for any pain
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cover sunburnt skin from direct sunlight until skin has fully healed
Don’t
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do not use petroleum jelly on sunburnt skin
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do not put ice or ice packs on sunburnt skin
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do not pop any blisters
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do not scratch or try to remove peeling skin
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do not wear tight-fitting clothes over sunburnt skin
Some medicines are not safe for everyone (for example, if you're pregnant). Always check the leaflet or speak to a pharmacist before taking them.
A pharmacist can help with sunburn
You can ask a pharmacist:
- about the best sunburn treatments
- if you need to see a GP
Skin cancer risk
Getting sunburnt can increase your risk of skin cancer.
