How to Heal a Sunburn | Soothing Relief That Works

Healing a sunburn starts with cooling the skin, moisturizing with aloe, and taking OTC pain relief as needed.

That first hot, tight flush of a sunburn is a clear signal to get inside and start treating the burn. The right care eases pain, speeds healing, and cuts the peeling and flaking that follows. The steps below walk through what dermatologists and doctors actually recommend, what to skip, and when a burn needs medical attention instead of home care.

The Core Steps For Healing A Sunburn

Treating a sunburn at home comes down to a few consistent moves: cool the skin, moisturize, hydrate, and manage pain.

• Get out of the sun immediately. Stay indoors or cover the burn completely until it heals. More exposure only deepens the damage.
• Cool the skin. Take a cool shower or bath, or press cool compresses against the burn for about 10 minutes several times a day. The water should feel cool, not cold — ice or freezing water can damage burned skin further.
• Moisturize while skin is still damp. Aloe vera gel or lotion, calamine lotion, or a fragrance-free moisturizer with soy seals in moisture and calms the burning sensation.
• Take an OTC pain reliever. Follow label directions, and never give aspirin to a child.
• Drink extra fluids. A sunburn draws fluid to the skin’s surface, so extra water for the next two to three days helps prevent dehydration.

These steps treat the symptoms while the skin recovers. Mild burns usually settle down within a few days, with peeling starting around day three.

Moisturizing And Soothing A Sunburn

Keeping the burned skin moisturized is the most important ongoing step after cooling. The Mayo Clinic recommends applying aloe vera lotion or gel or calamine lotion to the affected areas, and notes that a nonprescription 1% hydrocortisone cream can ease mild to moderate sunburn when applied three times a day for up to three days.

For pain that lingers after cooling, the American Academy of Dermatology suggests an OTC pain reliever like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to reduce swelling and discomfort. If the burn itches as it heals, that same hydrocortisone cream or an oral antihistamine can help settle it.

If the skin is raw and sore, a soothing aftersun gel can make the first days more bearable. The best after sunburn gels we’ve tested combine aloe with additional calming ingredients — worth a look before your next trip to the pharmacy.

Common Sunburn Mistakes To Avoid

Steering clear of them is as important as the steps above.

• Never apply ice directly to the burn. Ice on damaged skin can cause frostbite on top of the sunburn.
• Do not pop blisters or peel skin.
• Avoid alcohol-based products. Rubbing alcohol and alcohol-heavy lotions dry the skin further and worsen the burn.
• Skip numbing creams with benzocaine or lidocaine. These can trap heat in the skin or trigger allergic reactions. Cleveland Clinic advises against them.
• Keep butter and food products off the burn. They offer no relief and can introduce bacteria to damaged skin.

When A Sunburn Needs A Doctor

Most sunburns are first-degree burns that heal at home, but blistering signals a more serious second-degree burn. Blistered skin indicates significant damage that deserves attention, especially if the burn covers a large area.

Seek medical care if the burn comes with a fever or chills, dizziness, confusion, severe pain, signs of infection like pus or red streaks, or if large areas of the body are blistered. These symptoms point to something beyond a simple burn. For children, a call to the pediatrician is wise if a sunburn causes fever, chills, headache, or general illness.