NewsHealthSunburnTemperatures soared over the weeked with many places hitting 30C and above but it has left some waking up on Tuesday with red and painful skin09:32, 26 May 2026Updated 09:51, 26 May 2026People flocked outside over the weekend as the temperatures soared across the UK. With many areas seeing the thermometer hit 30C and above, sunworshipers were quick to catch the often-missing warmth and rays.‌But is also means that by Tuesday many people were waking to find their skin red and sore after either forgetting to top-up their suncream or not putting it on at all. The NHS has advice for the best way to treat the symptoms - and the times you need to get urgent medical help.‌It explains on its website: "Sunburn is damage to the skin caused by too much sun. You can treat it yourself. It usually gets better within 7 days."‌It says if you have sunburn, your skin may:feel hot to touchfeel sore or painfulflake or peel – this usually happens a few days after you get sunburn‌It adds: "Your skin may also blister if your sunburn is severe. If you have white skin, your skin will usually be red or pink. If you have black or brown skin, you may not notice a change in the colour of your skin."How to treat sunburnThe NHS says there are things you can do to help ease symptoms of sunburn. It advises you can:get out of the sun as soon as possiblecool your skin with a cool shower, bath or damp towel (take care not to let a baby or young child get too cold)apply aftersun cream or spray, or an unperfumed moisturiseravoid alcohol and drink plenty of water to cool down and prevent dehydrationtake painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen for any pain – follow the instructions in the leafletcover sunburnt skin from direct sunlight until skin has fully healed‌But there are also some things you should never do. It warns:do not use petroleum jelly on sunburnt skindo not put ice or ice packs on sunburnt skindo not pop any blistersdo not scratch or try to remove peeling skindo not wear tight-fitting clothes over sunburnt skin‌When to get medical helpYou can usually treat sunburn at home. A pharmacist can advise about the best sunburn treatments for you. They will also advise if you need to see a GP.Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:You've been out in the sun and:Article continues belowyour skin is blistered or swollenyour temperature is very high, or you feel hot, cold or shiveryyou feel very tired, dizzy or sickyou have a headacheyou have muscle crampsyour baby or young child has sunburnSevere sunburn can lead to heat exhaustion and heatstroke, which can be very serious. You can call 111 or get help from 111 online. Call 111 if you need advice for a child under 5 years old.Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌NHSParacetamolHeatwaveSunburnWeatherWeather warningExpert Advice