Burns
Sunburn
Move out of the sun, cool the area with cool water for 20 minutes, apply after-sun gel, drink plenty of water, and never burst blisters. Seek medical aid for severe burns or blistering on children.
Move out of the sun, cool the area with cool water for 20 minutes, apply after-sun gel, drink plenty of water, and never burst blisters. Seek medical aid for severe burns or blistering on children.
What to do
- Move out of the sun.
- Cool the affected skin under cool running water for 20 minutes.
- Apply after-sun gel, aloe vera or a moisturising lotion.
- Drink plenty of water to rehydrate.
- Cover up before going back outside.
- Do NOT burst blisters.
Seek medical aid if
- The burn covers a large area
- There are extensive blisters
- The person is a baby, young child or elderly
- They have signs of heat illness — high temperature, vomiting, dizziness, confusion
Questions & answers
How long should I cool sunburn?
20 minutes under cool running water. Then apply aloe vera or after-sun gel and drink plenty of water.
Can I pop sunburn blisters?
Never. Blisters protect the skin underneath — popping them risks infection and scarring.
When does sunburn need medical care?
Large blistered areas, sunburn on a baby or young child, or any signs of heat illness — fever, vomiting, dizziness or confusion.
Related topics
Burns and Scalds
Cool any burn under cool running water for at least 20 minutes, remove clothing and jewellery from the area unless stuck, and cover loosely with cling wrap or a sterile non-stick dressing.
Dehydration
Move the person to a cool place and let them sip water or an oral rehydration solution slowly. Severe dehydration — confusion, no urine output, rapid pulse — needs an ambulance.
Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke
Heat exhaustion is treated by moving to a cool place, removing clothing and sipping cool water. Heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency — call 000 and cool the person rapidly by any means available.
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