How long should sunburn stay red?

Author: Raina Corkery  |  Last update: Friday, October 10, 2025

Sunburn is skin damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays. It usually causes the skin to become red, sore, warm, tender and occasionally itchy for about a week. The skin will normally start to flake and peel after a few days and will usually fully heal within 7 days.

How long does it take for redness from a sunburn to go away?

A moderate sunburn, where the skin is swollen and hot to the touch, can take a week to heal completely. A severe sunburn, characterized by intensely hot, red skin followed by blisters, can take up to two weeks to heal.

How long does a 2nd degree sunburn last?

On average, it can take one week to three weeks for your skin to heal after a second-degree burn.

What does a 2nd degree sunburn look like?

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.

How to tell if a sunburn is bad?

When to see a doctor
  1. Develop large blisters.
  2. Develop blisters on the face, hands or genitals.
  3. Experience severe swelling of the affected area.
  4. Show signs of infection, such as blisters with pus or streaks.
  5. Experience worsening pain, headache, confusion, nausea, fever or chills.
  6. Get worse despite at-home care.

Doctor explains HOW TO TREAT SUNBURN | Top 5 things to do & avoid to help your skin

How to speed up sunburn healing?

Lifestyle and home remedies
  1. Take a pain reliever. ...
  2. Cool the skin. ...
  3. Apply a moisturizer, lotion or gel. ...
  4. Drink extra water for a day. ...
  5. Leave blisters alone. ...
  6. Treat peeling skin gently. ...
  7. Take an anti-itch drug. ...
  8. Apply a soothing medicated cream.

What is the finger test for sunburn?

The fingertip test. Fingertip test for checking that skin blanches which is a normal skin reaction. Skin that does not blanch when gently pressed is damaged. Remove finger and there should be a blanched (pale) area where the finger was.

How long does it take for skin redness to fade?

Conclusions: Scar redness fades on average at 7 months. This is influenced by the wound type and position. The authors advocate the use of the term "rubor perseverans" to describe the physiologic redness of a normal scar as it matures beyond the first month, a process that does not involve inflammation.

What not to put on sunburn?

Don't
  1. do not use petroleum jelly on sunburnt skin.
  2. do not put ice or ice packs on sunburnt skin.
  3. do not pop any blisters.
  4. do not scratch or try to remove peeling skin.
  5. do not wear tight-fitting clothes over sunburnt skin.

What is hell's itch?

Hell's Itch is an inciting dermatologic reaction that can occur after sun exposure and is often characterized by symptoms such as intense pain, itching, paresthesia, and suicidal ideation.

How to know sunburn is healing?

The skin will normally start to flake and peel after a few days and will usually fully heal within 7 days. While sunburn is often short-lived and mild, it's important to try to avoid it, because it can increase your chances of developing serious health problems, such as skin cancer, in later life.

What draws redness out of sunburn?

Apply Aloe vera liberally

This handy plant naturally contains the anti-inflammatory properties and cooling sensation needed for instant sunburn relief. It also helps to rehydrate skin, quickening your recovery time and minimising that maddening itching!

What does sun poisoning look like?

Symptoms of sun poisoning last longer and are more severe. They start with a red rash and can progress to blisters, severe pain, swelling, and fever. Blisters indicate a second-degree burn and can result in severe complications, including: dehydration from loss of fluids and electrolytes.

How often should I apply aloe vera to a sunburn?

Keep skin cool and moist.

Or, take a cool bath with baking soda. Apply aloe vera lotion, moisturizing cream or a nonprescription 1% hydrocortisone cream to the affected skin several times a day. Try cooling the product in the refrigerator before applying for extra soothing comfort.

On what day is sunburn the worst?

The signs of a sunburn may not appear for a few hours. It is typically at its worst at 24 to 36 hours after sun exposure and resolves in 3 to 5 days. Ultraviolet rays can also initially cause invisible damage to the skin. Excessive and/or multiple sunburns cause premature aging of the skin and lead to skin cancer.

What color is a bad sunburn?

A second-degree sunburn, which is more serious, causes the skin to become severely red, swollen, and blistered because the dermis, a deeper skin layer, and nerve endings have been damaged. This type of sunburn is more painful and could take about two weeks to heal.

Why is my sunburn still red after a month?

Third-degree sunburn: Though rare, third-degree sunburns are possible. These burns can last months and require medical intervention to help heal. This degree of burn involves the top layer of skin, the second layer of skin and the underlying tissue and fascia.

What will draw heat out of a sunburn?

Apply Aloe

Aloe is a tried-and-true remedy that will soothe your sunburn almost instantaneously. This succulent is known for its moisturizing, cooling and anti-inflammatory effects, providing the much-needed relief you are after.

What takes the sting out of sunburn fast?

Take frequent cool baths or showers to help relieve the pain. As soon as you get out of the bathtub or shower, gently pat yourself dry. Apply a moisturizer that contains aloe vera or soy to help soothe sunburned skin. Do this while your skin is still damp from a bath or shower and whenever you feel discomfort.

Does a hot shower help sunburn?

Hot showers, baths and hot tubs

But even when your sunburn pain subsides, hot water can still be too drying. As your skin recovers from a burn, it needs to maintain all the natural moisture it can. There's no need to take cold showers. A lukewarm or cool shower will do.

Should I cover a sunburn or let it breathe?

Management and Treatment

Steps you can take include: Covering your sunburned skin while it heals, especially when outside. Cool, damp cloths may help you feel better. Using topical cooling and hydrating gels and creams like hydrocortisone cream or aloe vera gel.

Does salt water make sunburn worse?

Get out of the sun

Hang outside after sunburn symptoms first crop up and you could do more damage to the area or expand it, according to Lipner, who warns that sand, salt water and chlorine can all aggravate the skin to increase pain and potential for infection.

Does Aftersun work?

Benefits of Aftersun on your skin

Aftersun products provide immediate relief as well as several long-term skin benefits. They work immediately to reduce redness and inflammation caused by sun exposure, providing a soothing sensation. This rapid response aids in the relief of sunburn discomfort.

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