Sunburn Checker: What To Do
Answer five quick questions about a sunburn to get clear, step-by-step relief guidance — and to know the red flags that mean you should see a doctor. Already healing? Read how to treat sunburn.
Relief checklist
Watch for these — get care if they appear
This is educational sun-care guidance, not a diagnosis or medical advice. If you’re worried, or things get worse, contact a doctor, urgent care or a nurse helpline.
Educational sun-care guidance, not medical advice. This checker can’t diagnose you. Seek medical care now for any sunburn on a baby under 1, widespread blistering, a very large burn, fever, chills, nausea, severe pain, confusion, fainting, or signs of dehydration — don’t wait it out.
When to seek medical care for sunburn
Most sunburns can be managed at home, but some need professional care. Contact a doctor, urgent care, or an emergency number if any of these apply — this aligns with guidance from the American Academy of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic and the NHS:
- A baby under 1 year has any sunburn — always get it checked.
- Blistering over a large area of the body, or a burn covering a large part of the body.
- Fever, chills, nausea, headache, dizziness, confusion or fainting — possible sun poisoning or heat illness.
- Signs of dehydration — intense thirst, very dry mouth, little or dark urine, light-headedness.
- Signs of infection in a blister — increasing pain, swelling, warmth, redness spreading, or pus.
- The burn isn’t improving, or you’re simply worried — it’s always reasonable to ask a professional.
The home relief checklist for a mild sunburn
- Get out of the sun and cool the skin. A cool (not ice-cold) shower or bath, or cool damp cloths, for the first hours. Pat dry gently.
- Moisturise while skin is damp. Pure aloe vera gel or a fragrance-free moisturiser soothes and locks in water. Avoid petroleum, “-caine” numbing sprays and oils, which can trap heat.
- Ease the pain. An over-the-counter anti-inflammatory like ibuprofen can help with pain and swelling, if it’s safe for you — follow the label.
- Drink extra water. Sunburn pulls fluid to the skin’s surface, so hydrate well over the next day or two.
- Don’t peel or pop. Leave blisters intact and don’t pick at peeling skin — it protects you and lowers infection risk. See sunburn peeling and sunburn blisters.
- Protect it while it heals. Keep the area covered and out of the sun. Burns take days to settle — see how long a sunburn lasts.
Stop the next burn before it starts
The best sunburn is the one you avoid. Plan around the UV with these tools and guides:
- Tanning Time Calculator — how long you can be in the sun before you burn, for your skin type.
- SPF Calculator — how long your sunscreen lasts and when to reapply.
- UV Index Now — the live UV where you are and the safest window to be outside.
- Skin Type Quiz — find your Fitzpatrick type, the number the other tools need.
- How to tan safely without burning and how to choose & use SPF.
More on treating sunburn
Read the full pillar guide, how to treat sunburn: what to do right now, plus the deep-dives on sunburn blisters, sunburn peeling, and how long a sunburn lasts.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my sunburn is serious?
Treat a sunburn as serious if there is blistering over a large area, if it covers much of the body, or if you also feel feverish, chilled, sick, faint or very thirsty — these can point to sun poisoning, heat illness or dehydration. Any sunburn on a baby under 1 year should be checked by a doctor. This checker flags those situations, but it doesn’t replace a clinician.
What should I do for a mild sunburn right now?
Get out of the sun, then cool the skin with a cool (not ice-cold) shower or damp cloths, apply pure aloe vera or a fragrance-free moisturiser, drink extra water, and take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen if it’s safe for you. Don’t pop blisters or peel the skin, and keep the area covered and out of the sun while it heals.
Should I pop sunburn blisters?
No. Intact blisters protect the raw skin underneath and lower the risk of infection — leave them alone. If a blister bursts on its own, gently clean it, don’t peel the loose skin, and cover it. Blistering over a large area needs medical attention. See our guide on sunburn blisters.
When should I see a doctor for sunburn?
Seek medical care if a baby under 1 has any sunburn; if there is widespread blistering or a very large burn; if there is fever, chills, nausea, severe pain, confusion or fainting; or signs of dehydration (very dry mouth, dizziness, little or dark urine). When in doubt, contact a doctor, urgent care or a nurse helpline — do not wait it out.
Is this checker medical advice?
No. This is educational sun-care guidance and is not a diagnosis or a substitute for professional medical advice. It can help you decide on first steps and recognise warning signs, but if you’re worried, or symptoms get worse, contact a healthcare professional.
Your tan, planned by the hour.
Everything on this site, plus live UV by the hour, a burn-timer that counts down for your skin, SPF reapply reminders and push alerts the moment your safe window opens.