How long does a sunburn last?
Last updated September 3, 2026.
About a week: redness and pain peak in the first day or two, then fade - with peeling arriving several days in as damaged skin sheds. Blistering means a deeper burn that takes longer, and fever, chills, nausea, or dizziness with a burn is the "sun poisoning" picture that warrants medical care. While healing: cool compresses, moisturizer on damp skin, extra water, and strict sun avoidance on the burned area.
What to do
- Cool it early. Cool showers and compresses in the first hours limit the misery curve.
- Moisturize damp skin. Plain lotion or aloe traps water in the healing skin.
- Leave the peeling alone. Picking tears new skin and invites infection.
- Escalate blisters and systemic symptoms. Widespread blistering, fever, chills, or dizziness: medical care, sooner for children.
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