I Got a Sunburn, Now What? Proven Treatments for Your Sunburn

Posted on: August 15th, 2026 by Our Team

A sunny day can turn painful quickly. Whether it happened at the beach, on the boat, at a tournament, or during yardwork, a sunburn is your skin’s way of telling you it has been injured by ultraviolet radiation.

At Peak Skin Center, we want patients to know two things: most mild sunburns can be treated at home, but every sunburn is a sign of skin damage and a reminder to improve sun protection.

What Is a Sunburn?

A sunburn is an inflammatory reaction caused by too much ultraviolet, or UV, exposure. Redness, warmth, tenderness, swelling, and peeling are signs that your skin is trying to repair itself.

Symptoms often worsen several hours after sun exposure. That “little pink” look in the afternoon may become hot, painful skin by bedtime.

Step 1: Get Out of the Sun

The first treatment is to stop the UV exposure.

Get indoors or into full shade as soon as you notice redness, tenderness, or warmth. Do not try to “even out” the burn or stay outside longer. More sun will only make the burn worse.

While your skin heals, cover the area with loose, soft clothing and avoid additional sun exposure.

Step 2: Cool the Skin

Cool compresses, cool showers, or cool baths can reduce discomfort. Use cool water, not ice water. Ice directly on burned skin can make irritation worse.

After bathing, gently pat the skin dry, leaving it slightly damp, then apply moisturizer to help trap water in the skin.

Step 3: Moisturize Early and Often

Apply a gentle moisturizer several times a day. Products with aloe vera or soy can be soothing. A bland, fragrance-free moisturizer is also a good option.

Avoid products containing alcohol, which can dry and irritate the skin. Also avoid numbing sprays or creams with benzocaine unless recommended by a clinician, as they can sometimes cause irritation or allergic reactions.

Step 4: Reduce Pain and Inflammation

For discomfort, swelling, or tenderness, an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicine such as ibuprofen or aspirin may help, if you can take these safely.

Do not use aspirin in children or teenagers unless directed by a medical professional. Patients with kidney disease, stomach ulcers, blood-thinner use, or medication interactions should check with a clinician before taking NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen.

Step 5: Hydrate

Sunburn draws fluid toward the skin’s surface and can contribute to dehydration. Drink extra water for the next day or two, especially if you were outside sweating or active.

Watch for dizziness, weakness, dry mouth, headache, or decreased urination.

Step 6: Do Not Pop Blisters

Blistering means the sunburn is more severe. Leave blisters alone. Intact blisters act like a natural bandage and help protect the healing skin.

If a blister breaks, gently clean the area with mild soap and water and cover it with a nonstick bandage. Do not pick peeling skin or scrub the area.

When Should You Seek Medical Care?

Most mild sunburns improve with home care, but some burns need medical attention. Contact a medical professional or seek urgent care if you have:

• Large or widespread blisters
• Severe pain or swelling
• Fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, confusion, dizziness, or fainting
• Signs of dehydration
• Signs of infection, such as increasing redness, warmth, pus, red streaks, or worsening pain
• A sunburn in an infant or young child

How Long Does a Sunburn Last?

Mild sunburns often improve within three to five days. More significant burns, especially with blistering, can take a week or longer to heal. Pigment changes may last longer, and repeated burns can lead to long-term skin damage.

The Best Treatment Is Prevention

Once your sunburn heals, use it as a reminder to upgrade your sun protection routine.

Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, apply it generously, and reapply every two hours when outdoors or sooner after swimming or sweating. Pair sunscreen with sun-protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and shade.

Sunscreen helps, but it is not a permission slip to stay in the sun all day.

Peak Skin Center Can Help

If you have a history of frequent sunburns, tanning bed use, precancerous spots, or skin cancer, a full-body skin exam is one of the best ways to stay proactive.

At Peak Skin Center, we help patients treat sun damage, monitor changing spots, and build realistic sun-protection habits that fit life in North Carolina.

Whether you are in Fuquay-Varina, Holly Springs, Apex, Cary or beyond, if you are worried about a severe sunburn or a changing skin lesion, schedule an appointment with Peak Skin Center.