Sunburn
What to do if you're sunburnt
If you or your child has sunburn, you should get out of the sun as soon as possible head indoors or into a shady area.
You can usually treat mild sunburn at home, although there are some circumstances where you should seek medical advice (see below).
The following advice may help to relieve your symptoms until your skin heals:
- Cool the skin by sponging it with cold water or by having a cold bath or shower applying a cold compress such as a cold flannel to the affected area may also help.
- Drink plenty of fluids to cool you down and prevent Dehydration .
- Apply a water-based emollient or petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline) to keep your skin cool and moist.
- Take painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol to relieve any pain aspirin should not be given to children under 16.
Try to avoid all sunlight, including through windows, by covering up the affected areas of skin until your skin has fully healed.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Sunburn is skin damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays. It usually causes the skin to become red, sore, warm, tender and occasionally itchy for about a week.
What to do if you're sunburnt
If you or your child has sunburn, you should get out of the sun as soon as possible head indoors or into a shady area. You can usually treat mild sunburn at home, although there are some circumstance
When to seek medical advice
You should contact your GP, attend an NHS walk-in centre , or call NHS 111 for advice if you feel unwell or have any concerns about your sunburn, particularly if you are burnt over a large area or h
Who's at risk of sunburn?
Everyone who is exposed to UV light is at risk of getting sunburn, although some people are more vulnerable than others. You should take extra care when out in the sun if you: have pale, white or l
Dangers of UV rays
The short-term risks of sun exposure are sunburn and sun allergy . The longer-term risks (over decades) include: actinic (solar) keratoses rough and scaly pre-cancerous spots on the skin skin ca
Preventing sunburn
Skin should be protected from strong sunlight by covering up with suitable clothing, seeking shade and applying sunscreen. In the UK, the risk of getting sunburnt is highest from March to October, pa
Advice for babies and children
Children aged under six months should be kept out of direct strong sunlight. From March to October in the UK, children should: cover up with suitable clothing spend time in the shade (particularly
Subscribe
Ask the doctor
Rate this article
Find products