Sun blisters are second-degree burns, and the most important thing to know upfront is that you should not pop them. The fluid-filled bubble is your body’s natural bandage, protecting damaged lower layers of skin while new tissue forms underneath. Getting rid of sun blisters means helping them heal as quickly and safely as possible, which typically takes one to two weeks depending on severity.
Why Sun Blisters Form
A sunburn that blisters has damaged more than just the surface of your skin. UV radiation penetrates through the outer layer (epidermis) and into the second layer (dermis), destroying cells in both. Your immune system responds by flooding the area with fluid to cushion the damaged tissue and prevent further injury. That pocket of fluid is the blister itself.
This is what separates a blistering sunburn from an ordinary one. The damage runs deeper, which means the healing process takes longer and the risk of complications, particularly infection and scarring, is higher.
Cool the Skin Without Ice
As soon as you notice blistering, get out of the sun and start cooling the affected area. A cold, damp washcloth or towel placed gently over the burn works well. Leave it on until your skin feels cooler to the touch, then repeat as needed. Do not apply ice or ice packs directly to the burn. Ice can cause further tissue damage on skin that’s already compromised.
A cool (not cold) shower or bath also helps if the blisters cover a larger area like your back or shoulders. Keep the water gentle. High-pressure streams can rupture blisters prematurely.
Leave Blisters Intact
This is the single most important rule for sun blister care. Popping or peeling blisters exposes raw, unprotected skin underneath, which dramatically increases your risk of infection. The danger of infection is greatest a few days after the burn, when blisters naturally begin to break and the lower layers of skin are exposed. Deliberately rupturing them earlier only extends that vulnerable window.
If a blister breaks on its own, gently clean the area with mild soap and water. You can apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly and cover it loosely with a non-stick bandage to keep bacteria out. Change the bandage daily or whenever it gets wet.
Reduce Pain and Inflammation
Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain relievers like ibuprofen help with both the pain and the swelling that comes with blistering sunburn. Taking them early, before the burn peaks in intensity, can make a noticeable difference in comfort over the first 24 to 48 hours.
For localized blistering, a low-strength hydrocortisone cream can reduce inflammation and itching. Apply a thin layer once or twice a day, but limit use to seven days or fewer. Do not apply hydrocortisone directly inside an open blister. If the blistered area is large or covers sensitive skin like your face, check with a pharmacist before using it.
Aloe vera gel (pure, without added fragrances or alcohol) can soothe the surrounding skin. Avoid any product containing lidocaine or benzocaine on blistered areas, as these can irritate damaged tissue and occasionally cause allergic reactions.
Stay Hydrated From the Inside
A blistering sunburn pulls fluid toward your skin and away from the rest of your body. The more skin surface affected, the greater your risk of dehydration. You may not feel unusually thirsty, but your body is losing water, sodium, and potassium faster than normal.
Drink more fluids than usual in the days following the burn. Water is the foundation, but sports drinks or oral rehydration solutions help replace the electrolytes your body is losing. Avoid alcohol, coffee, and caffeinated sodas, which can worsen dehydration. For children, pediatric electrolyte solutions are a better choice than sports drinks.
What Healing Looks Like
Most sun blisters follow a predictable pattern. In the first one to three days, blisters fill with fluid and the surrounding skin stays red and painful. Over days three through seven, blisters begin to deflate or break naturally. The skin underneath looks pink, raw, and tender. During the second week, new skin gradually forms and the area starts to peel. The new skin is thinner and more sensitive than the surrounding tissue.
The entire process typically takes 10 to 14 days for moderate blistering. Larger or more severe burns can take longer. Resist the urge to peel flaking skin, as it’s still providing some protection to the layers beneath it.
Watch for Signs of Infection
Infection is the main complication to monitor for, especially once blisters start opening. Check the area daily and look for these warning signs:
- Increasing redness, pain, or swelling that worsens rather than gradually improving
- Pus or a yellowish crust forming over the blister site
- Red streaks radiating outward from the burn
- Fever developing several days after the initial burn
Any of these symptoms warrants medical attention. An infected sunburn blister can escalate quickly, particularly in young children and older adults.
When Blisters Need Medical Care
Most small, isolated sun blisters heal fine at home. But certain situations call for professional evaluation. Blistering that covers a large area of your body increases the risk of serious dehydration, fever, and widespread infection. According to burn treatment guidelines from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, second-degree burns covering more than 20% of body surface area in adults (roughly your entire back, or both legs) warrant specialized burn care. For children under 10 and adults over 50, that threshold drops to 10%.
Blisters on your face, hands, feet, or joints also deserve medical attention regardless of size, because scarring in these areas can affect movement and appearance long-term. The same goes for any blistering sunburn accompanied by severe headache, confusion, nausea, or chills, which can signal sun poisoning.
Protecting New Skin After Healing
Once blisters have fully healed, the fresh skin underneath is especially vulnerable to UV damage and discoloration. Without protection, these areas are prone to developing dark spots (hyperpigmentation) that can persist for months.
Keep newly healed skin covered or apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every time you go outside. Reapply every two hours, or sooner if you’re sweating or swimming. This isn’t just a recommendation for beach days. Even brief sun exposure on healing skin can cause lasting pigment changes.
Moisturizing the area consistently also helps. Look for products containing ceramides, which help rebuild your skin’s natural moisture barrier. The new skin will remain more sensitive than surrounding tissue for several weeks, so gentle, fragrance-free products are the safest choice during this period.