Skip to main content

How Long Does It Take to Heal a Sunburn?

woman applying sunblock

A few hours in the sun can result in days of pain and peeling from a sunburn. If you don’t properly protect your skin, this can cause sun damage and raises your risk of skin cancer.

What is the Fastest Way to Get Rid of a Sunburn?

There’s no magical cure for sunburn. It takes time to get a sunburn and it takes time to heal from one. Follow these tips to promote optimal healing:

Drink Water: Sunburned skin pulls water toward it for healing. Drink plenty of extra water to stay well hydrated during the healing process.

Apply Soothing Balm: Frequently apply aloe vera gel to cool your sunburn or apply hydrocortisone cream. As your sunburn continues to heal, liberally moisturize the area with unscented creams or lotions.

Don’t Disturb Blisters: If your skin blisters after a sunburn, avoid picking or popping the blisters. Intact blisters promote healing. If they pop on their own, keep them clean and covered to prevent infection.

How Long Does a Bad Sunburn Last?

A moderate sunburn, where the skin is swollen and hot to the touch, can take a week to heal completely. A severe sunburn, characterized by intensely hot, red skin followed by blisters, can take up to two weeks to heal.

How Long Do Sunburns Take to Fade?

If you have a mild sunburn, you’ll notice redness about two to six hours after sun exposure. The redness will fade in about two days. The more severe your sunburn, the longer it will take to for the redness to subside.

Do Sunburns Turn into Tans?

After you heal from a sunburn, the affected area may be more tan than usual, but tanning is just another form of skin damage caused by ultraviolet radiation.

When Should I See a Doctor for a Sunburn?

If you experience one or more of the following symptoms with your sunburn:

  • Faintness
  • Confusion
  • Increased pulse
  • Intense thirst
  • Chills
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Blisters that cover large areas
  • Infection of blisters

Do Sunburns Turn into Freckles?

Freckles are caused by excess levels of melanin in the skin. When your skin absorbs ultraviolet rays from the sun, your freckles will become more apparent.

What is the Best Treatment for Sunburn?

The best treatment for sunburn is prevention - wear sunscreen and reapply it often. However, accidents happen so take care of your sunburn by keeping the area moisturized, staying hydrated, and keeping the sunburn lightly covered in absorbent fabric.

How Do You Get Rid of a Sunburn Overnight?

If you have a mild sunburn, the redness may last only a day at most. Keep the area moisturized for fastest healing.

What Heals Sunburn?

If you get a moderate to severe sunburn, you may need up to two weeks to completely heal. Follow the tips previously mentioned and see your doctor if you think your sunburn isn’t healing properly.

How Bad is a Bad Sunburn?

All sunburns are bad. Getting multiple sunburns that blister and peel in your youth can cause premature aging, wrinkles, and increases your chances of getting skin cancer later in life.

Schedule Your Appointment Today!

If you’ve suffered a bad sunburn and need professional treatment, make an appointment today with the dermatologists of Keys Dermatology in Islamorada or Key West, FL. We provide the highest quality of dermatological services and give each person personalized attention and treatment.

Join Our Newsletter

 

Request Appointment

powered by Birdeye

Thank you! We will get back to you as soon as possible.