Sun is a source of energy for the entire world. It provides us with Vitamin D and plays a unique part in the functioning of our body. All said we are afraid of getting out under the hot sun in fear of sunburn blisters. It starts as excessive sunburns that further develop into painful sunburn blisters. It is, therefore, important to know how to treat sunburn blisters.
Sunburn blisters develop after a few hours of sun exposure. It will be extremely painful and unbearable in the beginning. The pain will normally subside in 2 days. The skin healing process will take another few days or even weeks.
The skin around the sunburn will be darker and these blisters heal within a few weeks. The marks of blisters may stay there for a much longer period. Keep reading further to know how to treat sunburn blisters.
1. Sunburn Blisters
Sunburn blisters are small white, round boils that are fluid-filled. The area around the sunburned skin is usually red and will be painful to touch. They can be very itchy. There will be severe sunburn which is categorized as a second-degree burn. These second-degree burns take more time to heal.
When you do not see any bumps or blisters and just redness or tenderness around the skin, then it is likely a first-degree burn. You might witness just one blistering sunburn. Further, sun exposure can lead to sunburn blisters.
Sunburn blisters have more than just one symptom and in some more painful cases, require medical attention. It can be called a condition of sun poisoning.
The difference between sunburn and sun poisoning is that excess sun exposure causes sun poisoning and is a more serious health condition. Along with sunburn blisters, you may also experience fever or nausea. Keep reading to know more about how to treat sunburn blisters.
2. Symptoms of Sunburn Blisters
Sunburn blisters are usually white round boils or bumps filled with liquid or pus. These appear after you have exposure to the sun. The skin around the blister will be reddish and swollen. They will be very painful and itchy. Darker skin will form around the blister.
Severe sunburn blisters that cause sun poisoning has more serious symptoms like vomiting, fever, chills, excessive blisters and dizziness.
Severe sunburn blisters that result in peeling skin can also increase the chances of skin cancer.
3. How to Treat Sunburn Blisters
Here, we will discuss how to treat sunburn blisters with home remedies. Various treatment options are available to heal the affected area. Do realize that you should consult your doctor if you are dealing with excessive sunburn blister.
3.1 Hydrate Yourself
Sunburns are capable of dehydrating your body. This condition will prevent sunburn blisters from healing. So, drink plenty of water for faster relief. Therefore, make sure to prevent dehydration.
3.2 Apply Cold Pack
To relieve pain put cold or damp compresses on the sunburn blisters. It will help in reducing the heat in the burn area. It will help to heal the sunburn blisters faster. The damp compresses will also reduce swelling.
3.3 Moisturize
Moisturize the affected skin with aloe vera gel or petroleum jelly. This will help the blisters heal sooner. Make sure you are not allergic to the moisturizer as it can cause infection on the affected skin.
3.4 Don’t Pop the Blisters
Never pop or break blisters. This will only increase the chances of getting damaged skin. You can also get an infection which will require further treatment by a healthcare professional.
3.5 Protect your Skin
It is very important, especially when you are healing from a sunburn blister. Take extra care while dealing with the blisters. Cover the blisters as they heal. Covering the affected area can speed up healing.
3.6 Take over-the-counter medicines
You can take medicines like ibuprofen that will help to reduce swelling and relieve pain. It will be good to consult a board-certified dermatologist if you have large blisters or blisters that surround major blood vessels. Right medical attention will promote healing much faster and less pain.
3.7 When Sunburn Blisters Break
Just in case your blister breaks or pops out, make sure to keep the sunburn blister clean. You can apply some antibiotic ointment and cover the area with a bandage. It will help to speed up healing and protect your skin.
Make sure to use cold water in the affected area using a mild soap or mild cleanser, preferably antibacterial. Do not scrub or rub the area. Gently clean the area using a clean towel. Do not use cotton balls because they tend to stick to the wounded area. It can infect the wound.
If the sunburn blister is large your primary care physician may prescribe medicines like corticosteroids for itching and swelling. Your physician may also recommend topical burn creams as they help the skin heal faster.
4. How to Prevent Sunburn blisters
Prevention is always better than cure, so save your skin from severe sunburn blisters. Direct sunlight can cause second-degree sunburn.
When you step outside, make sure to apply sunscreen with SPF. SPF should be at least 30. Make it a habit to reapply sunscreen every one or two hours. In case you sweat profusely better to reapply every hour.
Wear clothing that protects you from sunburn. You can use wide-brimmed hats that cover your face. Protective clothing will protect your skin from any UV damage.
In some cases, the medications that users can also initiate and cause sunburn blisters. Check your medications before you go out into the sun. Even the medications that you use to treat acne can result in increased sensitivity to the sun.
If you ever suspect you’ve gotten a bad sunburn, try to cool off as early as possible. It will reduce the intended effect of sunburn. Even if you see light spots that resemble a sunburn, try to cool off immediately. It will reduce the pain and prevent sunburn blisters.
5. How Long Do the Sunburn Blisters Last?
After your exposure to the sun, it takes at least 24 hours for the sunburn to be visible. Sunburn blisters may even take at least 48 hours to make an appearance.
Sunburn blisters take time to heal. The excessive pain from the blisters may last for a few days or weeks. It will take much longer for the blisters to fade completely.
Once they heal, you will have either dark or lighter spots on the affected area. These spots on the skin can take more than six months to vanish. If you follow the correct way how to treat sunburn blisters, they will heal much faster.
6. Can Sunburn Blisters Cause Cancer?
Yes. There are increased chances of being cancer-affected due to continued exposure to the sun. Sunburn damages your skin and the sunburned skin loses its ability to repair itself. Sun exposure damages your skin as a result of UV radiation. It affects the DNA of your skin cells and increases cancer risk.
Cancer does not develop in a day or two. Skin cancer often takes more than 20 years to develop. Whenever you plan for a sun bath, make sure you protect your skin from the harmful effects of sun exposure. To prevent cancer risk, it is always better to apply sunscreen before you step out and also protect your body at all times. It is best to cover your body when under the sun.
Skin cancer treatment is now in an advanced state. If detected at an early stage, you can get rid of the cancer before it spreads further. You must consult the physician if you doubt the skin rashes are signs of skin cancer.
7. Final Note
Sunburn blisters are painful and you should be careful when you deal with them. It becomes extremely important to know how to treat sunburn blisters. Treating sunburn blisters the correct way will help you to get rid of the blister marks in a shorter period.
Look out for the common symptoms of sunburn blisters after your exposure to the sun. If you experience an extreme medical emergency and suspect it to be sun poisoning, immediately consult a doctor.
For small blisters, you must have understood how to treat sunburn blisters. Using a cold compress, keeping yourself hydrated and moisturized, or even taking the correct medications, will help to lessen the pain and swelling.
In case of any doubts or unbearable pain, consult a doctor for expert advice. Make sure to take every small precaution while you go out under the sun. It will go a long way in ensuring that you are safe, not only from sunburn blisters but also from possible skin cancer.
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