A bad sunburn usually lasts about 7 to 10 days , and the worst cases can take up to 2 weeks to fully heal. The pain and redness often peak in the first 24 hours, then peeling commonly starts around day 3.

What to expect

  • Mild sunburn: about 3 to 5 days.
  • Moderate sunburn: about a week.
  • Severe sunburn with blisters: 10 days or longer , sometimes up to 2 weeks.

When to get help

Seek medical care if you have large blisters, fever, chills, severe pain, dehydration, or a sunburn covering a large area of your body. Those can be signs the burn is more serious than a typical sunburn.

What helps

Cool compresses, aloe vera or moisturizer, and plenty of water can make recovery more comfortable. Avoid more sun exposure and don’t pop blisters.