How to Treat Sunburn Blisters

Treatments for sunburn exist, but it's better to prevent a sunburn than treat a burn.

While many people don't perceive them as so, sunburns are just as serious as any other kind of burn; a sunburn cure, like a cure for other burns, does not exist. The proof of this fact can be found in the pain and general discomfort that is caused by a sunburn that blisters. Luckily, it's relatively easy to treat blisters from a sunburn.

Things You'll Need

• Medicated first-aid spray
• Clean towels
• Antibacterial ointment

Instructions

1. Leave the blisters intact. Do not lance or pierce the blisters or scratch them off. Instead, leave them intact to rupture and open on their own.

2. Apply medicated first aid spray frequently. Apply a spray such as Solarcaine or one of its competitors, to the sunburn blisters at least twice a day. This sunburn treatment will help reduce the pain and itching that accompany such blisters, while also sanitizing the area.

3. Apply antibacterial ointment to the blisters once they begin to rupture and display the new skin beneath. This will help keep infection from developing.

4. Wash the area daily and dry it with clean towels.

5. Treat any pain with over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen, naproxen sodium or acetaminophen.

6. Avoid the urge to scratch the affected area. Doing so may cause an infection to develop.

Tips & Warnings

• If your sunburn causes blisters, it means that it was relatively severe. Consult a dermatologist to make sure the damage wasn't too severe and avoid prolonged sun exposure in the future or take measures to keep from getting burned so seriously.

• If the sunburn blisters seem severe or involve a great deal of pain, seek medical attention.