Sunburn is hot, sore and swollen skin caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or sunbeds.
If you have white skin, your skin may turn red or pink. If you have black or brown skin, you may not notice a change in the colour of your skin.
The best way to prevent sunburn is to protect your skin from the sun.
Preventing sunburn in children
How to ease sunburn
Sunburnt skin may flake and peel after a few days. It usually gets better within 7 days.
There are things you can do to ease the swelling and discomfort of sunburn.
Do
-
get out of the sun as soon as possible
-
cool your skin with a cool shower, bath or damp towel - do not to let a baby or young child get too cold
-
put on an unscented moisturiser, lotion or gel - keeping it in the fridge before applying can help
-
drink extra water to cool down and prevent dehydration
-
take painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen
-
protect sunburnt skin from direct sunlight until the skin has fully healed
Don't
-
do not use petroleum jelly or oil-based products
-
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
A pharmacist can help with sunburn
You can ask a pharmacist:
- about the best sunburn treatments
- if you need to contact a GP
You can get a mild topical steroid over the counter. For example, 1% hydrocortisone. It can be used 2 times a day for 2 to 3 days to relieve itching and discomfort.
Non-urgent advice: Contact a GP if:
- your skin has blisters or is swollen
- your temperature is very high
- you feel hot and shivery
- you feel very tired, dizzy or sick
- you have a headache and muscle cramps
- your baby or young child has sunburn
Risks of sunburn
Severe sunburn can lead to:
These can be very serious if you do not get treatment quickly.
Getting sunburnt can increase your chance of:
- getting skin cancer
- your skin ageing earlier than expected
Content supplied by the NHS and adapted for Ireland by the HSE
