When you go sunbathing, you don’t always go home with a tan. Sometimes, you go home with something less appealing: blisters from sunburn.
If you’ve ever gone sunbathing, you’re probably familiar with how a first-degree burn, also known as sunburn, feels. The ’regular’ sunburn isn’t something to worry about as it will go away on its own. However, if your sunburn starts to blister, that may be a sign of something more severe.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about blisters from sunburn, including how to get rid of sunburn blisters for good.
Why Sunburns Turn Into Blisters
Sometimes, when your skin becomes so sunburnt, it can start to blister. This is because sunburn blisters are caused by excessive sun exposure. The bad news is that sunburn blisters are a cause for worry, as they’re signs of a second-degree burn. And you know what that means — it will take a longer time to heal.
Blisters from sunburn can develop within a day, but they can last about a week. They come in the form of small bumps that contain pus, plasma, and blood. People who’ve suffered from blisters on the face from sunburn have said that it feels incredibly painful. Second-degree sunburn blisters can also be the cause of complications such as fever, dehydration, and even bacterial infection.
How to Treat Sunburn Blisters at Home
If you don’t know how to get rid of sunburn blisters, we’ve got your back. Here are a few home remedies on how to get rid of sunburn blisters fast:
- Do Not Pop the Blisters
It can be tempting to pop the bubble-like blisters, but please don’t. Blisters look gross, but they are your skin’s natural band-aids, protecting you from infections. If you pop the blisters from sunburn, the site can become infected with bacteria, which can cause further complications. Leave your sunburn blisters alone?they should be allowed to pop on their own.
- Protect the Blister Site
Your sunburn blisters can still be popped by accident, so be sure to wrap a bandage around the site. If you have to go out, wear clothing that will cover up the site of the second-degree burn, such as long-sleeved shirts.
- Stay Hydrated
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, your body will draw water toward the surface when you’re sunburnt. With that said, don’t forget to drink a lot of water to fight dehydration. That’s around 3.7 liters for men and 2.7 liters for women.
- Moisturize Your Skin
Want to get rid of blisters from sunburn fast? Make sure your skin stays moist. Take a lukewarm shower and slather on a day moisturizer while the skin is still slightly damp. Doing this will soothe the sunburn blisters and speed up your skin’s recovery. As an alternative, apply aloe vera to the sunburn blisters.
- Take Over-the-Counter Medications
Over-the-counter (OTC) medication such as ibuprofen won’t speed up the recovery process, but it can provide relief from discomfort due to sunburn blisters. Certain medications can also reduce swelling, so go ahead and take aspirin if the site feels too tender.
- Apply a Cold Compress
Cool down the blister site with a cold compress, as this can help with the pain. You could also apply ice, but be sure it’s covered in something such as a cloth so you don’t end up burning the blister even more!
When to See a Doctor
In general, second-degree sunburn blisters can be soothed by at-home remedies, but if you’re starting to feel feverish, call a medical professional. Sun poisoning is a common complication among people with blisters from sunburn. The moment you experience its symptoms, such as confusion, extreme thirst, and faintness, contact your doctor immediately.
How to Prevent Sunburn Blisters
The best (and only) way to prevent sunburn blisters is to protect your skin from the sun. Here’s how:
- Use Sunscreen With (At Least) SPF 30
Be sure to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30. If possible, find a sunscreen that’s specifically formulated for your skin type. Some people are more prone to sunburn than others, so it’s best to find a sunblock that works for you.
- Reapply the Sunscreen
Sunscreen won’t stick to your skin forever. It will get washed away when you go swimming and as you sweat throughout the day. To keep your skin protected, it’s important to slather on sunscreen every two hours.
- Limit Your Time Under the Sun
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with sunbathing, but remember to limit the amount of time you spend under the sun. Schedule your sunbathing session before 10 AM to 4 PM — this is when the sun is at its harshest. And although your sunscreen’s SPF can help you calculate the amount of time you can spend under the sun (e.g. 300 minutes for SPF 30), you shouldn’t totally rely on that, either.
Sunburn Blisters FAQs
How Long Do Sunburn Blisters Last?
The pain from sunburn blisters tends to subside within 48 hours, but it will take about a week for the blisters to disappear.
What To Put On Popped Sunburn Blisters?
Do Blisters From Sunburn Scar?
Take Sun Protection Seriously
Although blisters from sunburn go away, they can cause long-term damage to the skin in the form of wrinkles and sunspots — and unfortunately, they can also increase your risk of skin cancer. That is why it’s crucial to take care of your skin.
At Proven Skincare, we take skin care seriously. That’s why we created the skin quiz. It allows us to carefully curate a selection of skincare products that are specifically formulated for you. It guarantees that your skin gets the sun protection it needs, so you can continue to bask in the sun safely, free from the risk of sunburns and sunburn blisters. Take the quiz today and let us help you find the exact formula your skin needs.
