Bubbly Sunburn

I work for a dermatologist, and recently, burned my back to the degree that you describe. We generally prescribe a cortisone cream, but it must be applied soon after a burn is experienced. With mine, I applied and then applied plasitc wrap over the top and secured with medical tape. Sounds crazy, but in reality, I never peeled, blistered, etc. The plastic allows the cream to really penetrate the skin. If indeed this should happen again, do call a dermatologist. As common as sunburns can be, they really are not something to mess around with. Take care.

This happened to me once when I was in a pool all day. I had little blisters all over my back and when I squeezed them, (or rubbed my back with aloe) they oozed like a watery fluid. Very gross, and yes, I believe it's a bad burn. I believe it would be considered a 2nd degree burn. I believe she should keep the area cool and clean.

I'd probably even avoid the aloes, creams, etc. because you could cause some sort of infection or bacteria to grow with that new skin under the blisters.

If she is blistering it means that it is a bad burn... If you think about it in a way that you touch yourself against a hot oven and you blister (same thing, just that it is the sun doing the damage, which is worse in the long run). The burn contuines for 24-73 hours, hence why she is having blistering now.

She needs to cool down to stop the burning. Aloe is always good, laong with vitamin E... I like to take wet cold towels and place them on my to help cool down ASAP, replacing as often as needed (I never let them sit on very long). I have been told that you can also use milk instead of water.

If the blister are starting to open it is best to not put lotion or anything on them, the body has to heal them. Could do the cold wash clothes/towels to help cool down. If the sunburn is warmer then her normal skin temp her skin is still burning and she needs to cool down.

Here is the link to WebMD: when to go to a doctor for a sun burn.
http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/tc/sunb...

Hope this helps, hope your sis-in-law has learned that sunscreen is a friend and will use it next time! Also tell her to keep drinking water to keep her and her skin hydrated.

Find information on treating severe burns. This sounds like at least a 2nd degree one and needs to be cared for properly or there may be scarring. If she is just pealing, tell her to keep moisturizer on and stay out of the sun for a while.