Following a weekend of soaring temperatures across the UK, with many areas reaching 30°C and above, a significant number of people are waking up on Tuesday with red and painful skin due to sunburn. The NHS has issued guidance on how to treat sunburn effectively and when to seek urgent medical attention.
Understanding Sunburn
Sunburn is damage to the skin caused by excessive exposure to the sun. According to the NHS website, it usually gets better within seven days and can often be treated at home. Symptoms include skin that feels hot to the touch, soreness, pain, flaking, or peeling, which typically occurs a few days after sunburn. In severe cases, blisters may develop. While lighter skin tones may turn red or pink, darker skin tones may not show a noticeable colour change.
How to Treat Sunburn
The NHS recommends several steps to alleviate sunburn symptoms:
- Get out of the sun as soon as possible.
- Cool the skin with a cool shower, bath, or damp towel. Be cautious not to let babies or young children get too cold.
- Apply aftersun cream or spray, or an unperfumed moisturiser.
- Avoid alcohol and drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
- Take painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, following the instructions on the leaflet.
- Cover sunburnt skin from direct sunlight until it has fully healed.
What Not to Do
The NHS also warns against certain actions:
- Do not use petroleum jelly on sunburnt skin.
- Do not put ice or ice packs directly 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.
When to Seek Medical Help
While sunburn can usually be treated at home, a pharmacist can advise on the best treatments and whether a GP visit is necessary. An urgent GP appointment or NHS 111 assistance should be sought if, after sun exposure, you experience:
- Blistered or swollen skin.
- A very high temperature, or feeling hot, cold, or shivery.
- Extreme tiredness, dizziness, or nausea.
- Headache.
- Muscle cramps.
- Sunburn in a baby or young child.
Severe sunburn can lead to heat exhaustion and heatstroke, which are serious conditions. For advice, call 111 or use the NHS 111 online service, especially for children under five.
