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Travel health

What to Do About a Sunburn on Vacation

To treat a sunburn: get out of the sun, cool the skin with cool (not icy) water, apply aloe vera or a fragrance-free moisturizer, take ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain, stay hydrated, and don't pop blisters. Most sunburns heal within a week; large blisters, high fever, or faintness warrant medical care.

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Nina Osei, NP — Nurse Practitioner

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What Should You Do Right Away for a Sunburn?

Get out of the sun. UV radiation continues even on cloudy days — cloud cover provides only partial protection. Move indoors or into full shade and stay there while your skin is healing.

Cool the skin. A cool (not icy cold) shower, bath, or damp compress reduces heat and eases pain. Avoid applying ice directly to burned skin — it can cause additional injury.

Moisturize. Aloe vera gel or a plain fragrance-free moisturizing lotion soothes sunburned skin. Avoid products containing petroleum in the first day or two — they can trap heat in the skin.

Pain relievers. Ibuprofen helps with both pain and the underlying inflammation driving sunburn's redness and swelling 1. Acetaminophen helps with pain 2. Ask your pharmacist which is appropriate if you take other medications.

Hydrate. Sunburned skin loses moisture, and UV exposure in the heat contributes to dehydration. Drink more water than usual.

What Should You Not Do for a Sunburn?

A few common instincts can make a sunburn worse:

Do not pop blisters. Blisters are the body's protective barrier — breaking them increases infection risk. If a blister breaks on its own, gently clean the area with mild soap and water, apply over-the-counter antibiotic ointment, and cover loosely with a bandage.

Do not return to the sun. Sunburned skin is far more vulnerable to further UV damage. If you must go outside, cover the area completely with lightweight fabric and a wide-brimmed hat.

Do not use benzocaine or other topical anesthetics. Products containing 'caine' anesthetics can cause allergic reactions on burned skin. Aloe and plain moisturizer are safer.

Do not use butter, cooking oil, or toothpaste. These remedies do not help and can cause irritation or infection.

How Do You Protect Yourself for the Rest of Your Trip?

Burned skin is sensitive for a week or more. To enjoy the rest of your trip:

Sun protection is non-negotiable. Choose SPF 30 or higher broad-spectrum sunscreen, apply generously 15 minutes before outdoor time, and reapply every 2 hours and after swimming or sweating 35.

Cover up. Lightweight long-sleeved shirts, pants, and wide-brimmed hats offer more reliable protection than sunscreen alone. UV-protective (UPF-rated) swimwear is especially useful in the water.

Avoid the midday sun. UV radiation is strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Plan outdoor activities in the early morning or late afternoon when possible 5.

Protect lips and eyes. Use an SPF lip balm and UV-blocking sunglasses.

Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol. Alcohol increases dehydration, which compounds sun effects.

What Is the Long-Term Risk of Sunburn?

Sunburn — especially blistering sunburn — increases the lifetime risk of skin cancer, including melanoma 34. This does not require specific action while on vacation beyond sun protection going forward, but it is worth noting for your return home. Mentioning a history of significant blistering sunburns at a future primary care or dermatology visit is worthwhile. Regular skin checks with a dermatologist are a reasonable long-term habit for anyone with a history of significant sun exposure 4.

Common questions

I'm taking doxycycline for malaria — does that make sunburn more likely?

Yes. Doxycycline is well known to increase sun sensitivity (photosensitivity), meaning your skin can burn much faster and more severely than it would otherwise [5]. If you are taking doxycycline, daily broad-spectrum sunscreen and sun-protective clothing are especially important throughout the course.

What is sun poisoning and how is it different from sunburn?

Sun poisoning refers to the body's systemic inflammatory response to severe sunburn. It involves skin symptoms plus systemic signs like high fever, chills, nausea, headache, and dizziness. It typically involves a large body surface area. Unlike a typical sunburn, sun poisoning warrants prompt medical evaluation.

Can I use aloe vera from a plant for sunburn?

Yes. Fresh aloe vera gel from a plant leaf is an effective and safe choice for soothing sunburned skin. Pure bottled aloe vera without added fragrances or alcohol is similarly appropriate. Avoid products with added fragrance or 'cooling' alcohols, which can further irritate burned skin.

How long will my sunburn take to heal?

First-degree sunburn — redness with no blisters — typically heals within 3 to 7 days. Second-degree sunburn with blisters can take up to 2 weeks or longer. During this time the area may peel as the damaged skin layer sheds.

Talk to a clinician

Nina Osei, NP — Nurse Practitioner

checkups, refills & skin. Gale can match you with a licensed clinician for a visit.

Find care →

When to seek care

  • —Large blisters covering a significant area of skin — these are second-degree burns that benefit from proper wound care.
  • —High fever, severe chills, confusion, or fainting — may indicate sun poisoning or heat stroke.
  • —Nausea and vomiting that will not stop.
  • —Signs of skin infection: spreading redness, pus, or red streaks around the burn.
  • —Severe sunburn in an infant or young child — seek care promptly.
  • —Extreme dizziness or inability to stand — may be combined heat exhaustion and sunburn.

If you develop confusion, loss of consciousness, difficulty breathing, or signs of heat stroke (hot skin, no sweating, very high temperature) alongside severe sunburn, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.

This article provides general health information and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice. If you have large blisters, high fever, systemic symptoms, or significant concern about your sunburn, please consult a licensed clinician.

References

  1. 1.MedlinePlus / U.S. National Library of Medicine (2024). Ibuprofen: MedlinePlus Drug Information. MedlinePlus / NLM. link ✓Ibuprofen use for pain and inflammation relief including inflammatory skin injury
  2. 2.MedlinePlus / U.S. National Library of Medicine (2024). Acetaminophen: MedlinePlus Drug Information. MedlinePlus / NLM. link ✓Acetaminophen use for pain relief from sunburn
  3. 3.Raymond-Lezman JR, Riskin SI (2024). Sunscreen Safety and Efficacy for the Prevention of Cutaneous Neoplasm. Cureus. doi:10.7759/cureus.56369 ✓Sunscreen use for UV protection and skin cancer prevention; sunburn as a risk factor for cutaneous malignancy
  4. 4.US Preventive Services Task Force (2023). Skin Cancer: Screening (Final Recommendation Statement). JAMA / USPSTF. doi:10.1001/jama.2023.4342 ✓Sunburn and UV exposure as risk factors for skin cancer; long-term surveillance considerations
  5. 5.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2023). Sun Exposure in Travelers — CDC Yellow Book 2024. CDC Travelers' Health. link ✓SPF 30+ broad-spectrum sunscreen for travelers; doxycycline photosensitivity risk; peak UV hours 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; sun-protective clothing recommendations
  6. 6.American Academy of Dermatology Association (2024). Sunscreen FAQs. AAD.org. link ✓AAD recommendation: broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher; reapply every two hours and after swimming or sweating

6 sources, numbered by first appearance. General health information, not medical advice — synthetic demonstration content.