Leave the sun first
If skin feels hot or painful after sun exposure, or other discomfort develops, leave the sun promptly, move somewhere cool, and avoid further exposure. Redness may be less apparent on some skin colours; do not judge by colour alone.
NHS sunburn guidance suggests a cool shower, bath, or damp towel to help cool skin. Avoid excessive cooling in infants and young children. Do not apply ice or ice packs directly, burst blisters, or rub or pull peeling skin.
When to seek help promptly
- Seek medical help promptly for sunburn in an infant or young child.
- Seek help promptly for blisters, swelling, marked feverishness or chills, dizziness, nausea, headache, muscle cramps, or other discomfort.
- Consult a medical professional if you cannot judge severity, or symptoms persist or worsen.
This page compiles general precautions from public NHS materials. Use medical services where you are. It does not replace diagnosis or provide an individual care plan.
Before going out next time
First, check local UVI and protection advice, combining shade, clothing, hats, and suitable sun protection. When taking infants or young children out, also read our outdoor protection article for children.
Act on symptoms before gathering information
Leave sun exposure and follow the cooling and help steps above first. Do not delay help for photos, weather screenshots or exposure calculations. Describe timing, symptoms, blisters or systemic illness, care already given and age for an infant or young child.
Phone numbers in NHS material apply to the UK; use local healthcare services. Skin changes vary with pigmentation. Seek further help when severity is uncertain or symptoms worsen rather than judge from one online photo.
For the next outing, address omissions: check hourly UVI, choose shade that remains useful over time, plan clothing and sunscreen reapplication, and allow rest and return options. Do not test recovery with sun exposure or calculate a personal safe duration from sunburn.