What should you do if you get a sunburn?

The best treatment for sunburn is preventing it in the first place. Many people don’t realize that sunburn is caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun—not by how hot it feels outside. That means you can get a sunburn on a cool day or even when it’s cloudy.

The closer you are to the equator, the stronger the sun’s rays tend to be. Wearing sunscreen and reapplying it as directed can significantly reduce your risk of sunburn and lower your risk of skin cancer later in life.

Once You Have a Sunburn
There is no treatment that can reverse the damage that has already occurred. Most care focuses on relieving symptoms while your skin heals.

Ease the Pain
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help reduce discomfort.

Stay Hydrated
Sunburned skin loses more water than healthy skin as your body tries to cool itself. Drinking extra fluids can help prevent dehydration.

Cool the Skin
Cool showers, cool baths, or cool compresses can provide temporary relief from the burning sensation.

Consider Topical Products
Products that contain topical anesthetics, such as Solarcaine, may help numb the skin and reduce pain. However, they do not speed healing or reduce the underlying damage.

Aloe vera products may provide some relief, although studies have shown mixed results regarding their ability to improve healing. If your skin feels dry or tight, a gentle moisturizer such as Cetaphil can help keep it comfortable.

When Should You Contact Your Healthcare Provider?
Many primary care offices can review photos through patient portals and provide guidance. However, there is often little that medical professionals can do to speed recovery from a typical sunburn.

Infection usually do not appear until at least a couple of days after the burn occurs. Signs include increasing redness, pain and swelling. Unless, there is clear infection, antibiotics are not helpful. This includes Silvadene (silver sulfadiazine)

What About Blisters?
More severe sunburns may cause swelling and blisters. In most cases, it is best not to pop the blisters. They act as a natural protective covering and help reduce the risk of infection while the skin underneath heals.

additional info from https://www.medpagetoday.com/popmedicine/cultureclinic/121476