The Best Way To Deal With Sunburn Blisters

Sunburn blisters are small, fluid-filled bumps that form on the surface of the skin after severe sunburns. They can be extremely itchy and painful to the touch, and usually appear within 24 to 48 hours after the sunburn occurs (via Medical News Today). Most mild to moderate sunburns are considered first-degree burns, which only affect the outermost layer of the skin. Severe sunburns, however, are known as second-degree burns, which cause more extensive damage beneath the skin's surface. This damage can cause fluid to build up within the skin, resulting in blisters.

Aside from the typical sunburn symptoms of redness, pain, swelling, and itchiness, sunburns that are severe enough to cause blisters can also lead to more serious complications. For example, overexposure to the sun's UV rays can result in sun poisoning, which can cause vomiting, dizziness, nausea, dehydration, fever, chills, and blistering. If you experience any of these symptoms following a severe sunburn, you should contact your doctor immediately.

While severe sunburn blisters may require medical attention, milder cases can be treated at home. If you have a mild case of sunburn blisters, there are few simple things you can do to help alleviate your symptoms (via Insider). For instance, you can apply aloe vera gel, which has anti-inflammatory properties that can help speed up the healing process and reduce any swelling, pain, and inflammation.

You can also use over-the-counter medications to help ease your pain and discomfort. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, like ibuprofen, can help relieve pain by reducing inflammation in the body, which is what causes the fluid build-up in your skin in the first place. Another way to treat your symptoms is to stay hydrated and use cold compresses on your skin. Drinking plenty of water can rehydrate the body by replenishing the fluid that was drawn to the blisters, while applying a cold compress to the affected area can help your skin cool down.