Sunburn blisters can be painful and take a few days to a week to heal. After they fade, you may be left with discolored spots on the skin that can last up to a year. Learn how to help prevent this skin reaction.
Sunburn blisters are a severe skin reaction to UV damage from the sun or tanning beds. Sunburn happens when you are exposed to more UV than your melanin can protect you from.
Read on to learn more about sunburn blisters.
Sunburn blisters are small, white, fluid-filled bumps that appear on severely sunburned skin.
The surrounding skin may be red and slightly swollen. They are painful to the touch and can be extremely itchy.
Your primary care physician or a dermatologist can diagnose and treat sunburn blisters.
A healthcare professional will typically diagnose a sunburn blister based on appearance. They’ll also ask about how long you were exposed to the sun and whether you used sun protection.
Sunburn that is severe enough to cause blisters can also cause sun poisoning.
Sun poisoning symptoms include:
If you experience these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
Sunburn blisters that are popped or picked at can become infected. This can require treatment and may lead to scarring.
Severe sunburn — especially those severe enough to cause blisters — increases your chance of skin cancer.
Sunburn blisters can often be treated at home. To do this:
- Drink plenty of water. Sunburn will dehydrate you, which can prevent the blisters from healing.
- Place cold, damp compresses on the blisters to take some of the heat out of your skin.
- Apply moisturizer with aloe on the burn. The moisture will help the blisters heal sooner.
- Don’t pick or pop the blisters. This increases the chance of infection and can cause damage to the skin that could lead to scarring.
- Take ibuprofen (Advil) to reduce swelling and significant discomfort.
- Avoid sun exposure until the blisters heal.
If the blisters pop on their own, keep the area clean and apply a bandage using loose gauze after applying an antibiotic ointment. Keep the area covered with a bandage to speed up healing.
When cleaning the skin, use cool water, don’t scrub the area, and use a mild antibacterial cleanser to remove any excess drainage, being careful not to rub too hard. Avoid using a cotton ball on the popped blister, as the small fibers may stick to the wound and increase the chance of an infection.
If your blisters are severe, your doctor may prescribe a corticosteroid for the swelling and itching. They may also prescribe a topical burn cream to help heal the skin faster.
The best way to prevent blisters from sunburn is to protect your skin. When you’re going to be outside, apply sunscreen with an SPF of
It’s also helpful to check your medications before going out into the sun. Some medications, like antibiotics, may increase the likelihood of burning. Both oral and topical medications that treat acne can also increase sensitivity to the sun.
If you think you’ve gotten a sunburn, cool off as soon as possible to lessen the extent of the burn. Stay indoors or in the shade, drink plenty of water, and rinse your skin with cold water if possible.