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Sunburn: what to do at home

Cool it, care for it and know when sunburn needs a doctor.

22 items · 5 sections · health, first-aid, heat

Start this checklist

Right now (4)

  • Get out of the sun
  • Cool the skin with a cool shower, bath or damp towelTake care not to let a baby or young child get too cold.
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Apply aftersun or an unperfumed moisturiser

Get medical help today if (5)

  • Your baby or young child has sunburn
  • The skin is blistered or swollen
  • You have a very high temperature, or feel hot, cold or shivery
  • You feel very tired, dizzy or sick
  • You have a headache or muscle crampsThese can mean heat exhaustion or heatstroke, which can be very serious.

Do not (6)

  • Do not use petroleum jelly on it
  • Do not use ice or ice packs
  • Do not pop blisters
  • Do not scratch or pick peeling skin
  • Do not wear tight clothes over it
  • Avoid alcohol

Over the next week (4)

  • For pain, ask a pharmacist and follow the medicine leaflet
  • Cover the skin from direct sun until fully healed
  • Expect flaking or peeling after a few days
  • Most sunburn gets better within 7 daysOn black or brown skin the colour may not change, so go by soreness and heat.

Next time (3)

  • Plan shade around the strongest sun of the day
  • Use sunscreen and reapply it after swimming
  • Remember that sunburn raises your skin cancer riskShow a doctor any mole or mark that changes.

Written from www.nhs.uk

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