A bad sunburn turns a day in the garden into several nights of sore, hot, peeling skin. The steps below follow standard first-aid guidance from the Mayo Clinic and apply to general at-home care for a sunburn.
Cool the Skin Down First
Get out of the sun immediately. The fastest relief comes from cooling the skin’s surface. Mayo Clinic’s first-aid guidance recommends a clean towel dampened with cool tap water pressed gently against the burn, or a cool bath or shower.
Repeat this several times a day. Cooling stops the burn from continuing to cook deeper layers of skin and provides immediate relief.
Soothing, Pain Relief, and Moisture
Once the skin has cooled, soothe it with a gentle moisturizer. Aloe vera lotion or gel, calamine lotion, or a basic moisturizing cream helps if the skin isn’t blistered. For mild to moderate sunburn, nonprescription 1% hydrocortisone cream, applied three times a day for three days, can ease redness and inflammation.
For pain, over-the-counter options like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or naproxen sodium work well. At the same time, drink extra water for the next day or so to prevent dehydration, since sunburn pulls fluid out of your body.
Blisters: Protect, Don’t Pop
If blisters appear, leave them alone. Cover the area lightly with gauze or a loose bandage.
The best creams for bad sunburn can speed healing for milder, unblistered burns. For any burn, avoid products containing benzocaine, lidocaine, or other “-caine” ingredients, which can irritate skin or trigger allergic reactions. Never use butter, petroleum jelly, or other oil-based products, as they trap heat and block pores. Should you use moisturizer with sunscreen? Yes, but wait until the burn is fully healed before regular sun exposure.
When to Call a Doctor
Most sunburns heal at home, but some need medical attention. You should seek medical help if you have large blisters, blisters on the face, hands, or genitals, severe swelling, signs of infection.
Signs of infection include pus or red streaks, worsening pain, headache, confusion, nausea, fever, chills, or a burn that gets worse despite home care. Seek immediate care for a fever over 103 F (39.4 C) with vomiting, confusion, dehydration, cold skin, dizziness, or faintness.
Mayo Clinic’s sunburn first-aid guide covers this home-care routine in detail. Stay out of the sun until the skin has fully healed to avoid making the damage worse.
FAQs
How long does a bad sunburn take to heal?
Mild sunburns typically heal in about three to five days, with peeling beginning around day three. A bad sunburn with blisters can take up to two weeks to fully heal. The healing time depends on the severity of the burn and how well you protect the skin from further sun exposure.
Should you put ice directly on a sunburn?
No. Ice applied directly to burned skin can cause frostbite and further damage. Use cool tap water compresses or a cool bath instead. If you want to use ice, wrap it in a thin towel first and only apply it for short periods.
Is it safe to pop sunburn blisters to drain them?
No. You should never pop sunburn blisters. If a blister breaks on its own, clean the area gently, apply antibiotic ointment, and cover it with a nonstick bandage to keep it protected.
References & Sources
- Mayo Clinic. “First Aid for Sunburn.” Details cooling, baking soda baths, pain relief, and blister care.