What's the Best Way to Treat Sunburn?

HealthSmart asks a range of experts for their best advice.

The dermatologist

If you’re burnt you’ve already damaged the cells in your skin, so it’s a matter of managing the discomfort. Use cold water, moisturiser or calamine lotion to cool the skin. With bad burns, pop any blisters (leaving the roof intact) and dress the area. Take Panadol for the pain. Make sure to keep well hydrated and see a doctor if you start feeling unwell. Most importantly, don’t let it happen again. Just one bad burn can boost the risk of skin cancer.

Associate Professor John Kelly, head of the Victorian Melanoma Service at the Alfred Hospital, Melbourne.

The plastic surgeon

Sunburn will continue to worsen for some time after exposure because it’s a radiation burn. Ease pain by having a cold bath and applying a topical anaesthetic cream. If it blisters it will probably need dressing to prevent infection and promote healing. Apply moisturiser at least twice a day to minimise peeling and avoid getting burnt in this area again, especially while it’s still a different colour. Not only can sunburn result in later cancer, but it will promote wrinkles because it damages the elastic fibres in the skin. Moisturising will help keep the skin healthy.

Dr Nicholas Lotz, spokesperson for the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons.