NHS tips for treating sunburn and when you should consider seeing a doctor

With the burst of summer sun and heat now over, some will be feeling the aftermath of the warm spell Scotland enjoyed.Following the hottest day of the year where 25.7C temperatures hit northern Scotland, you may have inadvertently got yourself sunburnt in the roasting weather.The mini heatwave will have been irresistible although you may be left feeling the burn.

If your skin is feeling hot and sore, it's time to give your body some soothing treatments for the ache and irritation.Here are some crucial pointers you need to know about sunburn treatment, when to seek professional medical advice, and the significance of keeping your SPF 50 topped up.Generally speaking, sunburn tends to resolve by itself and takes approximately a week for skin condition to normalise.Even though your sunburn would eventually heal, the intervening symptoms could be painful and quite aggravating.

Alleviating the presenting symptoms cannot expedite the healing process, but there are ways you can lessen the discomfort.According to advice from NHS Inform Scotland, treating skin inflamed by sunburn can be done by:In certain circumstances, sunburn can be severe and may necessitate medical intervention.

Severe sunburn might require specialised burn creams and dressings, which are typically available at most GP surgeries, although hospital treatment may be necessary in some instances.Symptoms of severe sunburn include skin blistering or swelling (oedema), chills, a high temperature of 38C or above (or 37.5C or above in children under five), dizziness, headaches, and nausea.If you're suffering from sunburn and experiencing these symptoms, it's advised to contact your GP or the NHS 24 service on 111 for guidance.Get the latest news sent straight to your