Sunburn
Sunburn is red, hot and sore skin caused by too much sun. It may flake and peel after a few days. You can treat it yourself. It usually gets better within 7 days.
Do
get out of the sun as soon as possible
cool your skin with a cool shower, bath or damp towel (take care not to let a baby or young child get too cold)
apply aftersun cream or spray, like aloe vera
drink plenty of water to cool down and prevent dehydration
take painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen for any pain
cover sunburnt skin from direct sunlight until skin has fully healed
Don't
do not use petroleum jelly on sunburnt skin
do not put ice or ice packs on sunburnt skin
do not pop any blisters
do not scratch or try to remove peeling skin
do not wear tight-fitting clothes over sunburnt skin
You can ask a pharmacist:
- about the best sunburn treatments
- if you need to see a GP
Getting sunburnt can increase your chance of getting skin cancer.
Find out how to protect your skin from the sun and avoid sunburn