Like other body parts, your face is also vulnerable to sunburn.

Even worse, you can develop sunburn blisters on your face.

Sunburn happens when your skin is overexposed to the sun’s UV (ultraviolet) rays, causing damage to the skin cells. However, blisters result from severe sunburn. The face, being one of the exposed areas, is particularly vulnerable to sunburn.

In this blog, we will learn why sunburn blisters happen on the face, how to cure it, and how to keep from happening it. Let’s get started.

What are the Sunburn Blisters on the Face?

Sunburn blisters also happen on the face which is one of the exposed areas to the sun.

Sunburn blisters refer to the fluid-filled bubbles developing on the skin as a result of severe sunburn. Generally, it is caused by second-degree sunburn. When the skin is overexposed to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation, it can cause damage to the skin cells. In response to this damage, the body initiates an inflammatory process that can lead to the formation of blisters.

The blisters are filled with clear fluid and typically appear a few hours to a day after excessive sun exposure. They are often a sign of more severe sunburn and often appear with other symptoms such as swelling, pain, and redness.

It’s important to note that not everyone who experiences sunburn will develop blisters. The severity of sunburn can vary from person to person, and blisters are more likely to occur in cases of moderate to severe sunburn.

Understanding the Symptoms of Sunburn Blisters

When you experience severe sunburn, you might notice small bumps on your face or elsewhere on the exposed skin. Those can be sunburn blisters.

They look white or clear and are filled with fluid, which can have stuff like lymph, serum, plasma, blood, or pus. These blisters can be painful to the touch. They might even hurt when rubbed against something like your clothes. You may also experience itching and redness.

What are the Complications of Sunburn Blisters on the Face?

Complications from sunburn blisters generally happen when you have gone through a severe sunburn. These complications may make you prone to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dehydration, chills, fever, and dizziness.

Additionally, there’s a risk of bacterial infection, especially if someone picks or pops the blisters. While sunburn blisters themselves don’t usually cause many problems, an infection could need medical attention and might result in scarring.

How to Treat Sunburn Blisters on the Face at Home

Cooling the Skin:

Take a cold bath or shower to lower the skin’s temperature. Alternatively, use a cold, damp sponge or flannel to gently apply cool compresses to the sunburned areas. This helps soothe the skin, providing relief from pain and itching.

Use Soothing Lotions:

Put on special creams made to help with sunburn, like ones with aloe vera. Aloe vera is good for calming the skin and keeping it moisturized, which helps it heal. Choose products that don’t have strong chemicals that might make your skin worse.

Stay Hydrated:

Drink lots of liquids, especially water, to cool your body down and avoid getting dehydrated. Sunburn can make your skin lose fluids, so staying hydrated helps your body heal naturally.

Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers:

Think about taking common pain relievers you can buy without a prescription, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to ease pain and reduce swelling. Follow the recommended dose and talk to a healthcare professional if you’re worried.

Seek Shade and Stay Cool:

Create a conducive environment for healing by staying in a cool, shaded room. Avoid direct sunlight, as exposure can exacerbate sunburn and delay the healing process. If possible, use fans or air conditioning to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Cover Up:

Shield your sunburned face by wearing loose, breathable clothing. This helps block further sun exposure and lowers the chance of infection. It’s essential to steer clear of sunlight until your skin has completely healed to prevent any additional damage.

If these remedies don’t work and the condition aggravates, make sure to visit your doctor.

Try Sunburn Drink:

You can also try Sunburn Drink—a patent healing drink that helps you reverse the sun damage. As it is enriched with essential nutrients, it boosts healing, helps rebuild, and combats sun damage. You can use it before and after sunbathing.

When to See a Doctor in Severe Sunburn?

If you are experiencing complications like nausea, fever, dehydration, and chills after getting sunburn blisters on your face or elsewhere, you should see your doctor immediately. Also, look for the signs of infection such as red streaks or pus on the sunburned skin.

How Long It Takes to Heal from Face Blisters Caused by Sunburn?

Generally, it takes two days to experience healing. The sun blisters take a week or two to fade. Once the blister is gone, you can notice darker or lighter spots on the skin. Although the blister will go on its own, skin damage caused by sunburn can take longer to heal.

How to Prevent Getting Sunburn Blisters on the Face?

Time Your Outdoor Activities:

Steer clear of outdoor ventures during peak sunlight hours when the sun is most intense. If feasible, schedule your outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon.

Cloudy Days Still Count:

Don’t be fooled by clouds – UV rays can penetrate cloud cover. Protect your skin by applying sunblock even on cloudy days.

Choose the Right Sunscreen:

Choose a sunscreen that has an SPF of 30 or higher. Make sure to use it at least half an hour before stepping out in the sun. It is also important to reapply every 90 minutes, especially if you are sweating or swimming.

Clothing as a Shield:

Wear protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts, sunglasses to shield your eyes, and wide-brimmed hats to provide shade for your face. This not only protects you from sunburn but also adds a stylish touch to your outdoor attire.

Generous Application of Sunscreen:

When applying sunscreen, be thorough. Ensure every part of your body is covered, including often overlooked areas like the tops of your feet, ears, and the back of your neck.

Choose Sunscreen with UVA and UVB Protection:

Pick a sunscreen that offers protection against both UVA and UVB radiation. Look for products with a minimum four-star rating for UVA protection. This ensures comprehensive coverage against various types of harmful sun rays.

Reapply After Water Activities or Sweating:

Even if your sunscreen claims to be water-resistant, reapply after swimming or sweating excessively. This extra step ensures continuous protection and reduces the risk of sunburn.

Over to You…

So you must have understood the reasons behind the appearance of sunburn blisters on your face as well as the preventative measures.  While they may go on their own, make sure to take precautions like wearing sunscreen, taking a shed, covering up, etc. to avoid going through this painful condition later.