TL;DR
NHS guidance on sunburn covers home care for mild cases. Cool baths, after-sun lotion and over-the-counter pain relief help most people. Blisters, fever or severe pain warrant a GP visit, particularly in children, older adults or people with darker skin types.
NHS guidance on sunburn after the bank holiday heatwave covers home care for mild cases including cool baths, after-sun lotion and over-the-counter pain relief. Most cases resolve within a week, but blisters, fever or severe pain warrant a GP visit, particularly in children, older adults or people with darker skin types where signs can be harder to spot.
Immediate treatment for mild sunburn
Move out of the sun and into a cool, shaded place as soon as sunburn is recognised. NHS guidance recommends cool baths or showers to take heat out of the skin and after-sun lotion or moisturiser to soothe skin.
Drinking plenty of water replaces fluid lost through dehydration. Paracetamol or ibuprofen, used according to the packet, helps with pain and inflammation.
What to avoid
NHS guidance advises against bursting blisters, peeling loose skin or putting ice or petroleum jelly on the burn. Bursting blisters increases the risk of infection and peeling skin can scar.
Tight clothing and further sun exposure should also be avoided until the skin has fully healed, which usually takes a week to ten days for mild cases.
When to see a GP
GP advice is recommended where there is blistering or swelling over a large area, fever, chills, dizziness, severe pain or signs of dehydration. Sunburn that does not improve after a few days should also be discussed with a healthcare professional.
NHS 111 can advise out-of-hours. Calling 111 is the first step where the symptoms are concerning but not immediately life-threatening.
Sunburn in children and older adults
Children, particularly under-fives, are at higher risk because their skin is thinner and they cool less effectively than adults. NHS advice is to keep babies under six months out of direct sun and to use child-specific sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher on older children.
Older adults can dehydrate more quickly and may not feel thirst as strongly. Carers and family should ensure regular fluid intake and limit sun exposure during the hottest part of the day.
Sunburn and darker skin types
All skin types can burn, but signs can be less visible on darker skin. NHS guidance highlights heat, itching, soreness or tenderness as warning signs, particularly where sunburn cannot be seen as redness.
Cancer Research UK and the British Association of Dermatologists publish guidance on sun safety across all skin types, including the ABCDE mole check that applies regardless of skin tone.
Key facts
- Mild sunburn typically heals in 7 to 10 days.
- Cool baths and after-sun lotion are first-line treatment.
- Bursting blisters increases infection risk.
- GP advice needed for fever, blistering or severe pain.
- All skin types can burn, including darker tones.
FAQ
How long does sunburn take to heal?
Mild sunburn usually heals within seven to ten days. Cool baths, after-sun lotion and over-the-counter pain relief help most cases. Severe or blistered burns can take longer and may need medical attention.
Should I burst a blister?
No. NHS guidance is to leave blisters intact because bursting increases infection risk. Cover the area with a sterile dressing if it needs protection, and see a GP if blisters become extensive.
When should I see a GP about sunburn?
Where there is blistering or swelling over a large area, fever, chills, dizziness, severe pain or signs of dehydration. Sunburn that does not improve after a few days should also be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Can darker skin types get sunburn?
Yes. All skin types can burn, although signs can be less visible on darker skin. Heat, itching, soreness or tenderness can all indicate sunburn even where the typical redness is harder to see.
