
(Yes, you still need sunscreen on cloudy days, and yes, even in winter.)
#Burn blister skin
Larson says, and you don’t want to risk exposing your raw, sunburned skin to anything that might make it more sensitive.īesides the big one-sunscreen-other sunburn-prevention strategies include wearing sun-protective clothing and making sure you give yourself breaks from the sun by staying in the shade when you can-even on overcast days when it’s cooler, Dr. “Fragrance is one of the most common skin allergies people develop,” Dr. A fragrance-free ointment or cream is best in the case of severe sunburn, to avoid further skin inflammation. Larson adds, so ask your doctor before using a product containing these numbing ingredients.Īfter your cool shower or bath, you’ll definitely want to moisturize to soothe your inflamed and dehydrated skin-but remember to be selective about those moisturizers. Topical anesthetics, like lidocaine and benzocaine, may also be unhelpful in that they can cause irritation to severely burned skin, Dr. As moisturizing as it can be, you also shouldn’t apply petroleum jelly (Vaseline) to the skin, as it’s occlusive and can trap heat (a very unpleasant feeling when your skin is already on fire). For starters, don’t put ice on your sunburn, which can cause injury to your already damaged skin if applied directly, according to Dr. Having said that, there are plenty of sunburn remedies you should avoid. Applying aloe vera gel to the skin and taking an anti-inflammatory drug like ibuprofen may temporarily relieve pain too, she adds. You can find some relief for moderate sunburns with small blisters (smaller than a fingernail in circumference) at home with lots of cool compresses as well as cool showers or baths to calm swelling and pain, says Dr. (And if you’re struggling to resist the urge to pop, these strategies for body-focused repetitive disorders might help.) Chon recommends cleaning the blistered sunburn area lightly with mild soap and covering the open blister with a gauze bandage. Doing so opens the door to infection (in this case, the blister is acting like a natural bandage, Dr. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized in writing by ADAM Health Solutions.Ugh, so how do you get rid of sunburn blisters? Well first of all, under no circumstances should you try to break the sunburn blisters yourself, Susan Chon, MD, board-certified dermatologist and faculty member in the department of dermatology at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, tells SELF. Links to other sites are provided for information only - they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy editorial process and privacy policy. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. is accredited by URAC, for Health Content Provider (URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. Do not give aspirin to children under age 2 years, or anyone 18 or younger who has or is recovering from chickenpox or flu symptoms.Ī.D.A.M., Inc. These include acetaminophen (such as Tylenol), ibuprofen (such as Advil or Motrin), naproxen (such as Aleve), and aspirin. For pain, take an over-the-counter pain medicine.Do not use a dressing that can shed fibers, because they can get caught in the burn.

If needed, protect the burn from rubbing and pressure with a sterile non-stick gauze (petrolatum or Adaptic-type) lightly taped or wrapped over it.Do not use cream, lotion, oil, cortisone, butter, or egg white. Some antibiotic ointments can cause an allergic reaction. The ointment does not need to have antibiotics in it. You may put a thin layer of ointment, such as petroleum jelly or aloe vera, on the burn.Clean the burn gently with soap and water.If it is deeper, larger, or on the hand, foot, face, groin, buttocks, hip, knee, ankle, shoulder, elbow, or wrist, seek medical care right away. After the burn is cooled, make sure it is a minor burn.
