Style Skincare Hands and Feet How to Treat Sunburned Feet Try these dermatologists' tips to heal your feet and feel better fast. By Brandi Broxson Brandi Broxson Instagram Twitter Website Brandi is an editor and writer with more than 15 years in the magazine and newspaper world. She was with Real Simple for nearly seven years and oversaw personal finance, pets, product testing, and career content. She ideated the magazine's first money issue in 2019 and created two virtual money summits which drew thousands of attendees. Brandi was a longtime editor of Real Simple's popular Clever Items franchise and tested hundreds, if not thousands, of products during her time at the brand. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on August 20, 2022 Fact checked by Danielle Slauter Fact checked by Danielle Slauter Highlights: * Has worked as a fact checker for Real Simple since 2022 * Worked as a staff writer for Mochi Magazine * Currently runs and operates the United States blog for Student Beans Our Fact-Checking Process Share Tweet Pin Email Forgot to apply sunscreen to your feet? The aftermath of sunburn on the feet can be painful, but luckily some dermatologist-approved home remedies are quick and easy. Sharyn Laughlin, a dermatologist in Ottawa and co-creator of The Sunscreen Company, recommends this soothing sunburned feet treatment: Combine high-fat plain yogurt with a bit of honey and apply the mixture to the tops of your feet. Leave on for 10 to 20 minutes before rinsing with cool water. "The honey is an antimicrobial agent, which is good for wound healing, and the yogurt's lactic acid will gently exfoliate the dead skin," explains Laughlin. Take an anti-inflammatory like ibuprofen to relieve redness and discomfort, too. Peeling Skin Is the skin peeling on your feet? It's not a bad thing, says Laughlin. "It just means the surface skin cells have been damaged to the point of dying, and the body is exfoliating them." Don't pull at the peeling skin as that could cause further damage and lead to infections. Keep the area covered during the day and apply hydrocortisone cream (0.5 to 1 percent) every four to six hours to help with pain and swelling. At night, apply a thin layer of olive oil and then put clean loose cotton socks on. Apply Sunscreen If you have to go outside, apply sunscreen with a concentration of 20% or more zinc oxide to the entire foot—except for the soles. "The zinc also promotes soothing and healing, so it's an added bonus," says Laughlin. Wear cotton socks and avoid sandals or products with fragrance, which could cause further irritation. See your doctor if red streaks begin to radiate from the area or if you develop a fever or chills. 7 Derm-Approved Ways to Soothe Your Sunburn Fast Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit