Experts Warn Against Common Mistakes That Worsen Sunburn Treatment

After spending time at the beach or pool, many people experience painful sunburn hours later, characterized by red, hot, tight, and sensitive skin. Dr. Ela Egozi, a dermatology expert and medical director at Maccabi Aesthetics, explains that sunburn is an acute inflammatory skin reaction causing cellular damage, not just a temporary cosmetic issue. She emphasizes the importance of proper care within the first 24 hours, including considering anti-inflammatory treatment like ibuprofen to reduce pain and swelling, provided it suits the individual's health.

Once the initial heat subsides, the damaged skin becomes dry and sensitive, requiring gentle, soothing products to support the skin barrier. For facial burns, creams designed to calm irritation are recommended, while larger body areas benefit from light, cooling lotions with moisturizing ingredients. Dr. Egozi advises avoiding heavy, occlusive substances such as Vaseline and coconut oil during the first 48 hours, as they trap heat and worsen inflammation.

When the skin begins to peel days after the burn, she warns against forcibly removing flakes, as the peeling skin protects the new, delicate layer underneath. Aggressive peeling or popping blisters can increase risks of scarring, pigmentation, and infection. Instead, patients should allow natural healing and use gentle moisturizers to relieve dryness and itching.

Severe sunburns with extensive blisters require medical evaluation due to risks of infection and scarring. Additional symptoms like fever, chills, nausea, dizziness, or severe headaches may indicate dehydration or heat illness and also warrant prompt medical attention. Signs of infected blisters, such as cloudy fluid or spreading red streaks, should be treated by a healthcare professional.

While sunburn redness and pain eventually fade, repeated sun damage accelerates skin aging, pigmentation changes, and raises skin cancer risk. Prevention remains key, but if sunburn occurs, the correct approach is to cool and soothe the skin, restore moisture gently, avoid peeling or blister disruption, and seek medical care when necessary.