How To Treat Sunburn Blisters?

The blisters that develop due to long exposure to the sun’s radiation are known as sunburn blisters. These are a result of severe sunburn. A blister is like a bubble that appears under the skin and is filled with fluid. Blisters are 

unappealing and are uncomfortable. The sunburn blisters are accompanied by swelling in the area of sunburn in some cases. These blisters actually defend the underlying tissue. Hence, it is important to keep blisters intact. The intensity of sunburn and the rise of blisters depend on

• The skin type of the particular person

• The intensity of the sun’s rays

• The time of exposure

• How long the exposure had occurred

Symptoms of Sunburn Blisters

The blisters can occur on any exposed part of the body, even on the lips.  It takes some time for the body to show the symptoms of sunburn blisters.

·         Reddish skin that is tender and warm to touch

·         Fever, pain, chills, rash swelling and nausea

·         Blisters that develop hours or days after exposure and cause itching

·         Skin Peeling in the burned areas after some days

While the symptoms of sunburn blisters may not last longer, the damages caused to the tissues are sometimes permanent. These in turn can produce serious health effect in people. Even sun burns are a major cause of skin cancer. The pain and discomfort will be more due to sunburn blisters between 6 and 48 hours after exposure.

Ways to Get Rid of Sunburn Blisters

1.   Act immediately

If you’re feeling that tale-tell tingling of a burn or see any sign of skin reddening on your skin, get out of the sun and get the treatment. "Sunburn tends to sneak up on us. It can take four to six hours for the symptoms to develop," says Barton Schmitt, a pediatrician at Children's Hospital Colorado and author of a new book, My Child Is Sick! Expert Advice for Managing Common Illnesses and Injuries, published by the American Academy of Pediatrics. The more time you take to treat it, the more aggressive and risky it’d be.

2.   Moisturize

After a cool shower or bath, apply a moisturizing cream or lotion to soothe the skin. Apply frequently to make flaking and peeling less evident. Plus, consider a product that contains vitamin C and vitamin E. This might help limit skin damage, says Shawn Allen, a dermatologist in Boulder, Colo., and spokesman for The Skin Cancer Foundation. You can also use a hydro-cortisone cream for a day or two; it will relieve discomfort. Avoid scrubbing, picking or peeling your skin or breaking blisters.

3.   Hydrate

During sunburn, drink extra water and juice for a couple of days and keep check on signs of dehydration, such as Dry mouth,reduced urination, thirst, headache, dizziness and sleepiness. Children are particularly susceptible, so check with a doctor if they appear ill.

4.   Don’t wait to medicate

Take a dose of ibuprofen as soon as you see any signs of sunburn blister and keep it up for the next 48 hours. This will prevent the swelling and soreness that is going to occur and also some long-term skin damage. This is like treating the severity of the symptoms and not just treating the symptoms. Acetaminophen will treat the pain, however does not have the same anti-inflammatory effect.

5.   Assess the Damage

While most sunburns blisters can be treated at home, yet if the blistering burn covers 20% or more of the body, you should seek medical attention. Plus, those with sunburn who is also suffering from fever and chills should also seek medical help.