Sunburn is damage to the skin caused by too much ultraviolet light from the sun or sunbeds. It can produce redness, heat, tenderness, pain, swelling, peeling and in extreme cases, blistering.
We offer private consultations for patients concerned about sunburn, skin pain, blistering or symptoms after sun exposure. Your clinician can look at the skin and suggest treatment and tell you when more care is needed.
Mild sunburn will often clear with careful self-care, but some cases should be seen by a clinician. This includes if the burn is severe, over a large area or associated with feeling unwell. You might want to book an appointment if you have:
Your clinician will assess the severity of the burn and recommend the safest next step.
Sunburn can look different depending on your skin type and the level of exposure. Some people develop obvious redness, while others may notice tenderness, warmth, tightness or colour changes that are less easy to see.
The skin may become sore within hours of exposure and can continue to feel uncomfortable for a few days. Peeling may happen as the damaged skin starts to heal.
The first step after a sunburn is to get out of the sun and cool the skin. Cool showers, damp cloths and gentle skin care can help relieve discomfort.
Your clinician can advise on suitable moisturisers, pain relief, hydration and how to protect the area as it heals. Avoid harsh products, don’t pick at the peeling skin and don’t expose it to the sun.
Blistering sunburn can be more serious because the skin barrier has been damaged. Blisters should not be deliberately popped, as this can increase the risk of infection.
If the skin is badly swollen, blistered, very painful or leaking fluid, medical assessment is recommended. Your clinician can review the area and advise whether wound care, dressings or further treatment is needed.
Sometimes sunburn occurs in combination with overheating or dehydration. Headache, dizziness, nausea, weakness, confusion, high temperature or feeling faint should all be taken seriously.
You should get medical help urgently if someone is confused, very sleepy, has a very high temperature or collapses. In these cases emergency care should not be delayed by a routine clinic appointment.
Burnt skin is more sensitive and should be protected from further sun exposure until it has fully healed. Covering the area with loose clothing and staying in the shade can help prevent the damage from worsening.
Your clinician may also discuss sunscreen use, sun avoidance during peak hours and practical ways to reduce future burns, especially if you burn easily or spend time outdoors.
Some medicines and skincare products can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. This may increase the risk of burning or irritation following sun exposure.
Your clinician may ask you about medication, recent treatments, skincare actives, antibiotics, acne treatments or other products that may affect sun sensitivity during your consultation. This can help reduce the chances of getting burned again.
Sunburn in babies and young children, older adults and people with reduced immunity should be taken seriously. Their skin may be more sensitive and they can dehydrate or develop heat illness quicker.
Your clinician can help you determine if the burn is appropriate for self-care or if it needs urgent assessment.
Repeated sunburn can increase the risk of long-term skin damage, premature skin ageing and skin cancer. If you have had several episodes of sunburn, many moles or a new or changing skin mark, a skin check may be useful.
We can assess concerning lesions and advise whether monitoring, treatment or referral is needed. Sun safety is an important part of protecting your skin over time.
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