Eden Laser Clinic · Tirana
Sunburn: symptoms, care and risks
How to recognise it, what to do immediately and when to seek medical help.
EDEN JOURNAL · SUN CARE
Sunburn is UV-induced skin damage.
Common signs include heat, pain, tenderness, redness and later peeling; colour change may be less obvious on darker skin. Leave the sun, cool the skin and cover it until healed. Blisters, significant swelling, fever, dizziness or nausea need medical assessment.
How does sunburn appear?
Symptoms can begin hours after exposure and become more noticeable later. Skin may feel hot, painful or tight. More severe cases cause blisters; peeling usually follows after several days.
Sunburn is more than a surface problem: UV rays damage skin cells. Repeated exposure contributes to photoageing and increases skin cancer risk. Read more about long-term sun damage.
What should you do immediately?
First steps
Leave the sun and stay in shade or indoors. Cool the skin with a cool shower or damp compress, without applying ice directly. Apply fragrance-free moisturiser to slightly damp skin, drink water and protect the area from sun until healed. Do not burst blisters or pull off peeling skin.
For pain relief or other products, follow the leaflet and pharmacist’s or doctor’s advice, especially if you have other conditions or take medicines.
When should you contact a doctor?
Seek help for blisters, significant swelling, fever, chills, dizziness, headache, nausea, muscle cramps or dehydration. Babies and young children with sunburn should be assessed promptly.
How can sunburn be prevented?
Combine shade, protective clothing, a hat and sunglasses with water-resistant, broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen. Apply generously and reapply according to the label, especially after swimming or sweating.
Also read why tanning indicates damage and which aesthetic treatments may be considered in summer.
Quick answers
How long does sunburn last?
Mild cases usually improve within about a week, but the time varies with damage severity.
Should ice be applied to sunburn?
Not directly on skin. Use cool water or a cool, damp compress.
Should blisters be burst?
No. Blisters protect healing skin, and bursting them increases infection risk.
Medical sources
Sources for further reading: American Academy of Dermatology — How to treat sunburn, NHS — Sunburn, CDC — Skin Cancer Basics.
This article is for information and does not replace individual medical assessment or advice.
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Explore common concerns and options assessed individually.
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Discuss your skin condition, sun exposure and goals with the Eden Laser Clinic team.