Sunburn can quickly turn a pleasant day outdoors into a painful experience. It's your skin's reaction to too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
While often mild, sunburn can cause uncomfortable symptoms like redness, soreness, heat, and even blistering, leading to long-term skin damage if not managed carefully.
At Weldricks Pharmacy, we understand the discomfort sunburn brings. We offer a huge range of products designed to soothe and heal your skin, helping you recover faster. From cooling gels to hydrating lotions, find effective solutions to ease the burn and support your skin’s natural healing process. You can also read our article regarding the best sun cream for your needs!
Recognising sunburn symptoms early helps you act fast. Common signs include:
Managing sunburn involves a few key steps to promote healing and reduce discomfort:
Prevention is always the best approach. Remember to regularly apply high-SPF sun care, seek shade during peak sun hours, and wear protective clothing. Planning a trip? Don't forget essentials like a Malibu Travel Pack to keep your skin protected on the go.
Mild sunburn usually heals within 3 to 5 days, with peeling possibly occurring. More severe sunburn with blistering can take a week or longer to recover. Always protect your skin from further sun exposure during the healing process.
Yes, aloe vera is highly recommended for sunburn relief due to its natural soothing and moisturising properties. Look for pure aloe vera gels or aftersun lotions that contain a high percentage of aloe for best results.
Seek medical advice if you have severe blistering over a large area, develop chills, a high temperature (38C or above), feel dizzy, very unwell, or if a baby or young child has sunburn.
To prevent sunburn, always use a high-SPF sunscreen (at least SPF 30), reapply it regularly (every 2 hours, or more often if swimming or sweating), seek shade, wear protective clothing (hats, long sleeves), and avoid peak sun hours (11 am to 3 pm in the UK).
Yes, Sudocrem can help sunburn thanks to its soothing and protective properties. It contains benzyl alcohol, which acts as a mild local anaesthetic to ease pain, and zinc oxide, which helps to reduce redness and support the skin's barrier. It is particularly useful for small, localised areas of burn, but for larger areas, a lightweight Aftersun Lotion or cooling gel is often easier to apply.
To stop itching sunburn, keep the skin as hydrated as possible. Apply a fragrance-free moisturiser or a cooling Aloe Vera gel several times a day. Avoiding hot showers and wearing loose, breathable cotton clothing will also reduce irritation. If the itching is severe and prevents sleep, an over-the-counter Antihistamine from our allergy range can help dampen the allergic response.
Taking care of your skin after sun exposure is vital for its health and your comfort. Explore our full range of skin care products and pain relief solutions to support your well-being. At Weldricks Pharmacy, we are dedicated to providing accessible, professional healthcare advice and products, helping you confidently manage everyday health.
For more detailed information and medical advice on sunburn, please refer to the official NHS website on Sunburn.
