They tend to heal naturally after around 1 week. Sunburn blisters may co-occur with more severe symptoms that require medical attention. People can avoid sunburn blisters by following sun protection guidelines.
you may get crops of 2mm to 5mm raised, pink or red spots, but redness may be harder to see on brown and black skin. some people get blisters that turn into larger, dry patches – it looks a bit like eczema. less commonly, the patches look like a target or "bulls-eye" (it looks a bit like erythema multiforme)
A sun blister should start to feel better in about two days. It usually takes about a week for sunburn and sun blisters to fade. You may notice darker or lighter spots on the skin after the blister is gone. Even though the blister will heal, skin damage from sunburn is long-lasting.
Leave blisters alone.
An intact blister can help the skin heal. If a blister does break, trim off the dead skin with a clean, small scissors. Gently clean the area with mild soap and water. Then apply an antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover it with a nonstick bandage.
Blisters also can be a sign of sun poisoning. Typically, blisters are small, white bumps filled with fluid, with swollen red skin surrounding the area. These blisters can be extremely painful and itchy.
For a Blister That Has Not Popped
Try not to pop or drain it. Leave it uncovered or cover loosely with a bandage. Try not to put pressure on the area. If the blister is in a pressure area such as the bottom of the foot, put a donut-shaped moleskin on it.
Second-degree (partial thickness) burns.
Second-degree burns involve the epidermis and part of the lower layer of skin, the dermis. The burn site looks red, blistered, and may be swollen and painful.
Second-degree burns (also known as partial thickness burns) involve the epidermis and part of the dermis layer of skin. The burn site appears red, blistered, and may be swollen and painful.
For solar urticaria or PMLE, consider taking an over-the-counter antihistamine to relieve itchiness, advises Dr. Hale. Some examples are loratadine, also known as Claritin, and Diphenhydramine (Benadryl). These meds quell the histamine response in hives from solar urticaria, but also the reaction in PMLE.
Using a calming moisturizer can help speed up sun rash treatment if you're dealing with itchiness and dryness. The American Academy of Dermatology also recommends using a cold compress (for instance, wrapping ice cubes in a washcloth) and wearing loose-fitting clothing until your skin calms.
Scientists don't completely understand what causes sun allergies. Some studies have found genetic (inherited) patterns. Others have suggested that your body launches histamines or an immune response after sun exposure. There are probably several different causes, depending upon the type of skin reaction.
“Aloe vera can help cool and soothe the skin to make it feel better symptomatically, but it does not cure the burn itself.” If you want to use an aloe vera product for symptomatic relief, it is best to use a moisturizing lotion that contains aloe vera, Dr. Tsai adds. Moisturizing the skin overall can help with healing.
Blisters from the sun usually heal naturally in about one week but may leave scars.
Hydrocortisone creams help calm itching and irritation, and over-the-counter options are a great place to start when looking for sunburn treatments, says Farber. Cortizone 10's cream is made with 1% hydrocortisone, the highest concentration allowed in over-the-counter products, and soothing aloe.
The size of a burn can be quickly estimated by using the "rule of nines." This method divides the body's surface area into percentages. The front and back of the head and neck equal 9% of the body's surface area. The front and back of each arm and hand equal 9% of the body's surface area.
Apply an antibiotic ointment or dressing to keep the wound moist. Cover with gauze or adhesive bandage to keep the area sealed. Apply antibiotic ointment frequently to burns in areas that cannot be kept moist.
Most sunburn is a first-degree burn that turns the skin pink or red. Prolonged sun exposure can cause blistering and a second-degree burn. Rarely, severe sunburn can cause a third-degree burn or scarring.
First-degree burns affect the outer (superficial) layer of the skin and don't always blister. Second-degree burns affect the outer and underlying layers of the skin and usually blister right away. Third-degree burns affect the deepest layers of the skin and may or may not include blisters.
Apply an antibiotic ointment, such as one containing bacitracin (eg, Neosporin, Polysporin) to the blister, and cover with a clean bandage. Once the overlying skin has dried, allow it to fall off naturally or use sterilized scissors to cut off the dead skin. Apply antibiotic ointment and a bandage, if necessary.