You messed up. It happens. Maybe you fell asleep on a floatie in the middle of a lake or totally forgot that the UV index hits different at high altitudes. Now, your skin is bubbly, angry, and leaking a clear fluid. It’s gross. It hurts. Honestly, seeing those tiny, fluid-filled bubbles on your shoulders or back is enough to make anyone panic.
But here is the thing about how to get rid of sunburn blisters: you don't actually "get rid" of them in the way you’d pop a zit. You manage them. You baby them.
These blisters, which doctors technically call second-degree burns, are actually your body’s genius way of creating a sterile, "biological bandage" to protect the raw skin underneath. If you mess with that process, you’re basically inviting a staph infection to the party.
The Golden Rule: Hands Off the Bubbles
If you’re looking for a quick fix to make the blisters disappear by tonight, I’ve got bad news. There isn't one. The most important part of learning how to get rid of sunburn blisters is realizing that the blister is the cure.
Don't pop them. Just don't.
When you pop a sunburn blister, you open a direct doorway for bacteria to enter your bloodstream. The fluid inside—serum—is actually a mix of proteins and antibodies meant to kickstart the healing process. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, keeping that roof of skin intact is your best defense against scarring and infection.
If one pops on its own? Okay, don't freak out. Clean it gently with mild soap and water, apply a tiny bit of antibiotic ointment, and cover it loosely with a non-stick bandage.
Cooling the Fire
You need to bring the skin temperature down, but you have to be careful. Do not—under any circumstances—put ice directly on a sunburn blister. It’s already a burn; adding extreme cold can cause "ice burn," which just compounds the tissue damage.
Instead, go for a cool compress. Soak a clean, soft cloth in cool water and drape it over the blisters for about 15 minutes. Do this several times a day. You can also take a cool bath, but skip the bath bombs, bubble baths, or harsh soaps. They’ll just irritate the open pores and make the itching ten times worse.
Some people swear by adding a little colloidal oatmeal (like Aveeno) to the water. It’s an old-school remedy that actually has some science behind it—the phenols in oats have anti-inflammatory properties that calm the "holy crap my skin is on fire" sensation.
What to Actually Put on Your Skin
Most of the stuff in your medicine cabinet is probably a bad idea right now. You want to avoid anything with "caine" in the name—like lidocaine or benzocaine. While they numb the pain for a second, they are notorious for causing allergic reactions on blistered skin.
- Pure Aloe Vera: Use the clear stuff. If it’s neon green, it probably has dyes and alcohol in it, which will sting like crazy.
- Soy-based Moisturizers: Soy can help soothe the skin without the heavy oils that trap heat.
- Hydrocortisone Cream (Maybe): Some dermatologists suggest a 1% hydrocortisone cream to reduce swelling, but only on the skin around the blisters, not on broken skin.
Wait on the thick petroleum jelly or heavy ointments until the heat has actually left your skin. If you slather on Vaseline while your skin is still radiating heat, you're basically "slow-cooking" the tissue. It traps the heat inside.
Hydrate Like Your Life Depends on It
Sunburns draw fluid to the skin's surface and away from the rest of your body. You are likely dehydrated. Drink water. Drink electrolytes. If you're feeling dizzy or have a headache along with those blisters, your body is screaming for fluids.
When This Becomes a Medical Emergency
Most of the time, you can handle this at home with Netflix and a lot of patience. But sometimes, a sunburn is actually sun poisoning or a severe systemic burn.
You need to see a doctor if:
- The blisters cover more than 20% of your body (like your entire back).
- You have a high fever or chills.
- You see red streaks coming away from the blisters (a sign of infection).
- The pain is so bad you can't sleep or move.
Dr. Lawrence E. Gibson from the Mayo Clinic notes that severe sunburns can lead to electrolyte imbalances or even shock. It’s not "just a burn" if you’re vomiting or fainting.
Moving Toward the Peeling Phase
Once the blisters start to flatten and the fluid is reabsorbed, the skin will start to peel. It’s tempting to peel those long strips of skin off like a snake. Resist the urge. Let the dead skin fall off on its own.
Underneath that blister is "new" skin that is incredibly thin and sensitive to UV light. Even if you think you’re healed, that specific spot will burn again in about five minutes if you go back into the sun without protection.
Wear loose, tightly woven fabrics. If you hold a shirt up to the light and can see through it, the UV rays can get through it, too. Look for UPF-rated clothing if you absolutely have to be outside while healing.
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Practical Steps for the Next 48 Hours
To truly manage how to get rid of sunburn blisters effectively, follow this immediate protocol:
- Immediately take an anti-inflammatory: Ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce the internal swelling that causes the blisters to grow.
- Loose clothing only: Wear oversized cotton tees. Anything tight will friction-pop the blisters and cause immense pain.
- Sleep on clean sheets: Change your bedding to fresh, high-thread-count cotton to avoid snagging the blisters.
- Stay indoors: Seriously. Your skin’s ability to regulate temperature is compromised right now. Stay in the AC.
- Monitor for pus: Clear fluid is fine. Yellow or green foul-smelling drainage means you have an infection and need antibiotics.
Healing takes time. Usually, those blisters will be gone in 7 to 10 days, but the redness underneath might linger for weeks. Take it as a lesson from your skin—it has a very long memory.