How Long Do Sunburn Patches On The Face Take To Completely Heal?

Posted on Thu, 24 Aug 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 24 Aug 2017 Answered on

Wed, 20 Sep 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello. My question is how long is it possible for sunburn to last? Several years ago I was at a sporting event and got sunburnt two consecutive days as was there on my own without suncream and thought I would be under grandstand on second day. The skin didn't blister or peel but stung for several weeks and stayed quite red for about 6 months afterwards before fading to be a slightly red rash I have now. Even on one side of my face which didn't hurt or sting it stayed red for 6 months, especially after showering and exercise. I am terrified that my skin might have been sunburnt for all that time and I got a lot of incidental sun exposure moving my car etc for a few minutes each day as work inside after the initial stinging went. Is that possible or would this have turned into an allergic reaction, eczema etc? I know its really bad to dig up the past and I am very good with suncream now but am terrified of what I might have done regarding my future health.

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (-3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Kindly upload an image of this area for review!

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks so much for this query.

Sunburns can heal completely if the degree of the sunburn is not severe. If it is severe, the healing would end with a permanent scar/change in appearance. From what you have described, it is clear that you sustained a severe burn which probably justifies the difficult healing process and the scar. To be sure this doesn’t represent anything else, I will suggest that you upload an image for review. This way, i can provide further personalized and helpful insights.

To upload an image, simply click on the link to upload a file and follow the instructions. If this proves difficult, please send the image by mail to YYYY@YYYY and request that the image should be uploaded to your query.

I do promise to get back to you with more insights and helpful recommendations as soon as the requested information gets here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Chobufo Ditah (4 days later)

Hello, many thanks for your answer. I have attached photos below of what the area looks like now. The right hand side of my face still stings slightly and is red. I should also mention I did go to Spain the year after this happened and was outside for a small amount of time and the skin burnt quite badly and made the redness and stinging worse - there was no peeling or blister but was sore for a week.

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (26 hours later)

Brief Answer:
This is not worrisome at this time!

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I have reviewed these attached images. They really don’t look that terrible and are suggestive of a sunburn. My advise is that you drink much fluids and always strive to apply a sunscreen before leaving the house.

I hope this guides and helps. I wish you well. Let me know if you have any other unaddressed worries.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad