Answered from cited sources · retrieved September 20, 2026
how to treat a sunburn
Treat a sunburn by cooling the skin, staying hydrated, and using over-the-counter pain relief while avoiding further sun exposure.
To treat a sunburn, immediately get out of the sun and move indoors. Relieve pain and swelling by taking cool baths or showers, applying cool, damp compresses, or using over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen. Keep the skin hydrated by applying moisturizers containing aloe vera or soy while the skin is damp, but avoid products with alcohol, perfumes, or anesthetics like benzocaine, which can irritate the skin. Drink extra water to prevent dehydration. Do not pop blisters, as they protect the skin while it heals; if they break, clean the area gently and cover it. Protect the affected skin from further sun exposure until it has fully healed.
- Immediate Relief. Get out of the sun immediately and stay indoors. Use cool baths, showers, or damp cloths to soothe the skin, and drink plenty of water to combat dehydration.
- Skin Care. Apply moisturizers like aloe vera or soy while the skin is damp. Avoid products containing alcohol, fragrances, or anesthetics (e.g., benzocaine or lidocaine), as these can cause irritation or allergic reactions.
- Pain Management. Take over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help manage pain and inflammation. Follow package instructions carefully.
- Blister and Skin Care. Do not pop blisters, as they act as a natural bandage. If a blister breaks, clean the area with mild soap and water and cover it with a nonstick bandage. Avoid picking at peeling skin.
Sources
- Sunburn - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinicmayoclinic.org · published June 7, 2024
- How to treat sunburn - American Academy of Dermatologyaad.org · published May 20, 2024
- Sunburn - NHSnhs.uk
- Sunburn: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopediamedlineplus.gov
- Sunburn - Skin Disorders - MSD Manual Consumer Versionmsdmanuals.com · published April 1, 2026
- Sunburn - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelfncbi.nlm.nih.gov · published October 29, 2023
- Sunburn: Symptoms & Treatment - Cleveland Clinicmy.clevelandclinic.org · published June 7, 2023
- How to treat a sunburnaad.org · published May 21, 2024
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