How to treat a sunburn: dermatologist-backed steps
Sunburn can happen to anyone, with any skin tone, after too much unprotected time in UV light. Treating it early helps you feel better faster. These steps come from board-certified dermatologists at the American Academy of Dermatology: How to treat sunburn.
First: get out of the sun
As soon as you notice a burn, get out of the sun, preferably indoors. Skin often keeps getting redder for hours after exposure, so a mild-looking burn can turn worse later.
The AAD's five steps
- Cool baths or showers. Take frequent cool baths or showers to relieve pain, then gently pat dry.
- Moisturize. Apply a moisturizer with aloe vera or soy while skin is still damp. Calamine lotion, a cool damp washcloth, or a colloidal oatmeal bath can also help.
- Consider a pain reliever. Aspirin or ibuprofen can reduce swelling and discomfort, if they're safe for you.
- Drink extra water. A sunburn draws fluid to the skin's surface, so extra water helps prevent dehydration.
- Leave blisters alone. Blisters mean a second-degree burn. Don't pop them; keep them clean and protect them with petroleum jelly while they heal.
When to get medical help
Contact a doctor for a burn that covers a large area, blisters widely, or comes with fever, chills, confusion, dizziness or signs of infection. Babies and young children with sunburn should be checked by a doctor.
Why sunburn matters
The AAD notes that a sunburn may seem temporary, but the UV damage behind it can be long-lasting and increases the risk of skin cancer. That's one reason a "base tan" doesn't protect you (see the base tan myth).
Prevent the next one
- Seek shade and wear sun-protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
- Use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher on uncovered skin, as the AAD recommends.
- Check the UV index before you go out.
- If you burn unusually fast, ask whether a medicine you take causes sun sensitivity.
Published October 26, 2026. Sources are linked in the text. See our Medical Disclaimer.