How to treat and soothe sunburned skin using home remedies and OTC products
Sunburn hurts, but quick care can reduce pain, swelling, and peeling. Use a mix of gentle home remedies and over-the-counter products to cool skin, prevent infection, and support healing over the next few days.
Step 1: Cool the skin immediately
Run cool (not ice-cold) water over the burned area for 10–15 minutes or apply a cool compress for 10 minutes on, 10 minutes off. Cooling reduces heat in the tissues and slows inflammation to relieve pain.
[Illustration: person gently running cool water over shoulders in a bathroom sink]
Step 2: Take an anti-inflammatory pain reliever
Use ibuprofen 200–400 mg every 4–6 hours as needed, not exceeding 1,200 mg per day OTC, or acetaminophen 500–1,000 mg every 4–6 hours up to 3,000 mg per day. These lower pain and inflammation while you heal—follow package directions and any medical restrictions.
[Illustration: hand holding ibuprofen blister pack and glass of water on a bedside table]
Step 3: Apply a gentle moisturizing gel
Spread a thin layer of 100% aloe vera gel or a fragrance-free gel-based moisturizer over the sunburn 2–3 times daily. Aloe soothes heat and adds moisture without sealing in heat the way thick creams can.
[Illustration: tube labeled aloe gel being applied to forearm with fingertip]
Step 4: Use a cooling lotion with hydrocortisone
For itching or moderate redness, apply 1% hydrocortisone cream once or twice daily for up to 7 days to reduce inflammation. Do not use on broken or blistered skin; switch to plain moisturizer if irritation occurs.
[Illustration: small tube of hydrocortisone cream next to cotton pad on a towel]
Step 5: Rehydrate from inside
Drink 8–12 ounces (250–350 ml) of water every hour while you have active sunburn symptoms and at least 8 cups (2 liters) across the day to replace fluid loss. Proper hydration helps skin recover and reduces headache or dizziness from dehydration.
[Illustration: glass of water on table with a lemon slice beside a sunhat]
Step 6: Protect blisters and avoid popping
If blisters form, leave them intact; cover loosely with sterile gauze and change dressing daily. Intact blisters act as natural bandages and reduce risk of infection—only seek medical care if blisters are large, very painful, or show pus.
[Illustration: close-up of few small blisters on arm covered by breathable gauze strip]
Step 7: Moisturize daily until healed
After initial cooling, apply a fragrance-free, oil- and alcohol-free moisturizer twice daily and after showers for at least 3–7 days. Consistent moisture minimizes peeling and itching while supporting skin barrier repair.
[Illustration: bottle of fragrance-free lotion and a small bowl of rolled-up washcloths]
- Cool showers help—limit to 10 minutes and pat skin dry, do not rub.
- Wear loose, breathable clothing (cotton) while healing to avoid friction on burned areas.
- Avoid sun exposure until the skin is fully healed; when outside, cover burned skin and use SPF 30+ on adjacent unburned areas.
- Use a humidifier at night to keep air moist and reduce skin tightness and flaking.
- For persistent itching, try oral antihistamine like cetirizine 5–10 mg at night, following dosing instructions.
- Apply moisturizer within 3 minutes after bathing to lock in moisture and speed recovery.
- If you must be outdoors, drape a damp towel over the area for temporary cooling and protection.
- Seek emergency care for fever, severe nausea, fainting, confusion, or widespread blistering—these can indicate severe sunburn or heat illness.
- Do not apply petroleum jelly, butter, or thick ointments to fresh sunburn as they can trap heat and delay cooling.
- Avoid using topical anesthetic sprays or creams containing benzocaine without medical advice; they can cause allergic reactions in some people.
- If sunscreen was not used or a new medication is being taken, consult a doctor about photosensitivity risks before using topical steroids or certain oral drugs.
Was this guide helpful?
More Personal Care & Style guides
How to blend foundation to match neck and jawline seamlessly
Matching foundation to your neck and jawline creates a natural, polished look that avoids the telltale mask or stripe. With a few simple tools and techniques, you can blend foundation seamlessly so your face and neck read as one cohesive canvas. This guide walks you through a repeatable routine that works for most skin types and lighting conditions.
How to maintain acrylic nails to avoid lifting
Acrylic nails can look great for weeks when you care for them the right way. This guide gives practical, easy routines and small habits you can use to prevent lifting and keep nails strong and natural-looking.
How to choose and apply sunscreen for daily use on acne-prone skin
Finding the right sunscreen for acne-prone skin means balancing effective UV protection with formulas that won’t clog pores or cause breakouts. This guide walks you through choosing a suitable sunscreen and applying it daily in a simple, practical routine you can stick to.