Sunburn blisters are a clear sign of severe sun damage, indicating the skin has sustained a second-degree burn. This injury means ultraviolet (UV) radiation has damaged the deeper layers of the skin. The appearance of these fluid-filled pockets signals a significant inflammatory response from the body. Correctly managing a blistering sunburn is important to prevent infection and minimize the risk of scarring.
Why Sunburn Blisters Form and How They Resolve Naturally
Sunburn blisters are the body’s natural attempt to protect damaged skin from further harm and infection. This protective dome forms when UV damage causes the outer layer of skin, the epidermis, to separate from the layer below, the dermis. The resulting space fills with a sterile fluid composed of blood plasma and lymphatic fluids, which contain proteins that aid in the healing process.
The blister acts as a biological dressing, maintaining a moist environment that promotes regeneration of the underlying tissue. Ideally, a sunburn blister should remain intact as it completes its function. As the skin underneath heals, the body will naturally reabsorb the fluid inside the blister within a week or so.
The blister will flatten, and the dead skin that formed the dome will peel away, revealing the new skin below. Deliberately rupturing the blister removes this sterile barrier, exposing the vulnerable tissue to bacteria. This increases the chance of bacterial infection, slows healing, and may raise the risk of permanent scarring.
Safe Treatment and Handling of Sunburn Blisters
The most important rule for home care is to resist the urge to pop an intact sunburn blister. To manage the pain and swelling associated with the burn, over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, can be taken soon after the injury. Applying a clean towel dampened with cool tap water or taking a cool bath can also help draw heat away from the skin and provide immediate comfort.
For moisturizing, a lotion or gel containing aloe vera can be applied to the surrounding burned skin, and keeping the product refrigerated may offer additional soothing relief. It is also important to drink extra water, as the body pulls fluid to the surface of the skin during the burn response, which can lead to dehydration. Loose-fitting clothing should be worn over the area to prevent friction that could accidentally rupture the blisters.
If a blister breaks on its own, the exposed area must be handled as an open wound to prevent infection. Gently clean the area with mild soap and water, taking care not to scrub or tear off any remaining skin flap. A thin layer of antibiotic ointment should then be applied to the wound. Finally, cover the area with a non-stick sterile dressing or gauze, changing the bandage daily or whenever it becomes wet or soiled.
Warning Signs Requiring Professional Medical Attention
While many small sunburn blisters can be managed at home, certain symptoms indicate the need for prompt medical evaluation. You should seek professional care if the blistering covers a large area of the body, such as the face, hands, feet, or genitals, or if it involves more than 20% of your total skin surface. The presence of systemic symptoms suggests a more severe reaction or heat-related illness.
These signs include a fever, especially if it is over 102 degrees Fahrenheit, chills, confusion, or persistent nausea and vomiting. Signs of dehydration, such as dizziness, lightheadedness, or extreme thirst, also require attention. A significant red flag is the appearance of infection in the blisters or surrounding skin.
Signs of infection include pus or yellow discharge, increasing redness or swelling that spreads beyond the burn site, or a foul odor. Worsening pain or red streaks coming from the burn indicate that the healing process has been compromised. If symptoms worsen or do not improve after a few days of careful home treatment, consult a medical professional.