Sunburn: What to do now and how to avoid the next one
Sunburn stings, peels, and can cause longer-term skin damage. If you just got burned, quick simple steps help reduce pain and lower the chance of complications. Below are clear actions you can take right away and practical prevention tips so this doesn’t happen again.
Quick first aid for fresh sunburn
Get out of the sun immediately. Move to shade or indoors and remove tight clothing over the burned area. Cool the skin with a clean, cool (not ice-cold) damp cloth for 10–20 minutes or take a cool shower. Don’t use ice directly on the skin—ice can damage sensitive burnt tissue.
For pain and inflammation, an over-the-counter NSAID like ibuprofen can help. Follow the package dose and check with a doctor if you take other meds. Apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer or pure aloe vera gel to calm the skin. If blisters form, leave them intact—popping increases infection risk. If a dressing is needed, use a loose, sterile non-stick bandage.
Avoid petroleum gels on open blisters because they can trap heat. Use a 1% hydrocortisone cream only for short-term itching relief and not on large areas or broken skin without medical advice. Drink extra water—sunburn pulls fluid to the skin and can cause dehydration.
Watch for warning signs: fever, severe pain that doesn’t get better with OTC meds, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, confusion, or widespread blisters. Those symptoms mean you should see a doctor or urgent care right away.
How to prevent future sunburns
Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Apply sunscreen 15–30 minutes before heading outside. Put it on generously—about one ounce (a shot-glass amount) for an adult full body—and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating. Water-resistant formulas are better at staying on during activity, but still reapply after toweling off.
Wear protective clothing: a wide-brim hat, sunglasses, and tightly woven or UPF-rated shirts. Seek shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when UV rays are strongest. Remember reflective surfaces—water, sand, snow—bounce extra UV light onto your skin.
If you have fair skin, a history of blistering sunburns, or take photosensitizing medication, be extra cautious. Check the UV index on weather apps—values above 6 mean high risk and demand stricter protection.
Sunburn care is mostly simple but timely. Treat the pain, avoid infection, stay hydrated, and learn from it—better protection prevents repeat damage. If anything looks worse or you’re unsure, contact a healthcare provider for advice.
