Sunburn

If you have sunburn, your skin may: feel hot to touch feel sore or painful flake or peel – this usually happens a few days after you get sunburn Your skin may also blister if your sunburn is severe. If you have white skin, your skin will usually be red or pink. If you have black or brown skin, you may not notice a change in the colour of your skin.

There are things you can do to help ease symptoms of sunburn. Do get out of the sun as soon as possible cool your skin with a cool shower, bath or damp towel (take care not to let a baby or young child get too cold) apply aftersun cream or spray, or an unperfumed moisturiser avoid alcohol and drink plenty of water to cool down and prevent dehydration take painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen for any pain – follow the instructions in the leaflet cover sunburnt skin from direct sunlight until skin has fully healed Don’t do not use petroleum jelly on sunburnt skin 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 see a GP Find a pharmacy