Sunburn First Aid: Evidence-Based Home Treatment and When to Seek Care

Immediate Actions (First 24 Hours)

1. Cool the skin: Cool (not ice-cold) bath/shower 10–15 min; or cool compresses. Add colloidal oatmeal or baking soda (1 cup) for anti-pruritic effect.
2. Hydrate: Oral fluids (water, electrolyte solutions) — sunburn draws fluid into skin.
3. Moisturize: Fragrance-free aloe vera gel or soy-based lotion while skin damp. Avoid petroleum (traps heat), lidocaine/benzocaine (allergy risk).
4. Pain control: Ibuprofen 400–600 mg q6h or naproxen 220–440 mg q8h (anti-inflammatory + analgesic). Acetaminophen if NSAID contraindicated.
5. Protect: Loose, UPF clothing; broad-spectrum SPF 30+ if outdoors; avoid further UV.

Days 2–7: Healing Phase

• Continue moisturizing 3–4×/day.
• Do not pop blisters — intact roof = biologic dressing.
• If blisters rupture: clean gently, apply petrolatum + non-adherent dressing.
• Peeling: let slough naturally; no picking.

Seek Medical Care If

• Blisters >20% BSA (palm = 1% BSA) or involving face, hands, genitals, joints.
• Fever >38.5°C, chills, signs of infection (spreading erythema, pus).
• Severe pain uncontrolled by OTC meds.
• Confusion, dizziness, rapid pulse (heat stroke / severe dehydration).
• Photosensitizing medications (doxycycline, thiazides, sulfonamides, retinoids).

Long-Term

Daily SPF 30+, UPF clothing, shade seeking — cumulative UV damage drives photoaging and skin cancer.