What should I do if my skin is peeling from sunburn?

May 10, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

What should I do if my skin is peeling from sunburn?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Wenmin

Skin peeling due to sunburn can be relieved with the following measures:

1. Avoid further sun exposure to prevent additional damage.

2. Apply cold compresses using a cold towel or ice pack to the sunburned area for 15–20 minutes several times daily to reduce pain and swelling.

3. Keep the skin clean, but avoid using irritating cleansers.

4. Apply moisturizing lotions or aloe vera gel to soothe the skin, replenish moisture, and promote healing. If the peeling area is broken, use a healing ointment such as mupirocin ointment.

5. Take oral antihistamines, such as loratadine, to relieve itching and other discomforts.

6. Drink plenty of water to replace fluids lost due to sunburn and support skin recovery.

7. During the healing process, avoid rubbing or pulling at the peeling skin; allow it to shed naturally.

If symptoms persist without improvement, seek medical attention promptly.