Sunburn Care

Cooling and soothing damaged skin from too much sun

Step by Step

Sunburn is a burn from radiation, so treat it like one. Get out of the sun, cool the skin with a cool shower, damp cloths, or a cool bath for 10 to 15 minutes, and repeat as needed. Drink extra fluids, since burned skin loses moisture. Apply soothing after sun or aloe gel on unbroken skin, and give paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain following pack instructions. Leave blisters alone: cover them loosely and let them heal, since popping them risks infection. Do not apply butter, petroleum jelly, or ice directly. Seek medical care for large area sunburn, sunburn in babies and young children, blisters with fever, vomiting, or confusion, and signs of heat illness. Prevention with shade, clothing, and sunscreen works far better than any cure.