Sunburn

Sunburn is an inflammatory response that happens when your skin gets too much UV radiation. It’s a sign that your skin cells have been damaged by overexposure to the sun or artificial UV sources like tanning beds. While the redness and pain may go away in a few days, the damage can last a lifetime.

Sunburn affects people of all skin tones, though fair-skinned individuals burn more quickly. Repeated sunburns increase the risk for premature aging, dark spots, and skin cancers like melanoma.

Sunburn happens when the skin absorbs more UV radiation than it can handle. The two main types of UV rays that damage the skin are:

• UVA rays: penetrate deep into the skin and cause aging.
• UVB rays: cause the classic symptoms of sunburn.
  
  

You are more likely to get sunburned when:

• You're outside between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. (peak sun hours)
• You're at high altitudes or near water, snow or sand
• You don’t use sunscreen or wear protective clothing
• You're taking certain medications that increase sun sensitivity (like some antibiotics or acne treatments)
  
  

Even on cloudy or cool days, up to 80% of UV rays can still reach your skin.

Sunburn Symptoms

Sunburn symptoms typically begin within a few hours of sun exposure and peak in about 24–36 hours. They can include:

• Red or pink skin
• Pain or tenderness
• Swelling
• Warm or hot skin to the touch
• Itching
• Blistering (in more severe cases)
• Peeling skin a few days later
  
  

In cases of severe sunburn, symptoms may include:

• Headache
• Fever or chills
• Nausea
• Dehydration
• Dizziness or confusion (a sign of heatstroke)
  
  

Children and older adults are more vulnerable to complications.

At-Home Care

Most sunburns can be treated at home. To help the skin heal and ease discomfort:

• Cool the skin: Take short, cool baths or showers. Use a cold compress if needed.
• Moisturize: Apply aloe vera or fragrance-free lotion while the skin is still damp.
• Hydrate: Drink extra water to help prevent dehydration.
• Reduce pain: Use over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
• Avoid more sun: Stay out of the sun until the burn heals.
• Do not pop blisters or peel skin, as this can lead to infection.
  
  

When to See a Health Care Provider:

See a health care provider if you experience:

• Severe blistering over a large area
• High fever, chills or nausea
• Signs of skin infection (pus, increased redness, swelling)
• Symptoms that don’t improve after a few days

Preventing sunburn is much easier than treating it. Use these tips to protect your skin every day — not just at the beach:

• Use sunscreen: Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Reapply every 2 hours and after swimming or sweating.
• Wear protective clothing: Hats, sunglasses and long-sleeved shirts help block UV rays.
• Seek shade: Stay under umbrellas, trees or indoors when the sun is strongest.
• Avoid tanning beds: They emit harmful UV radiation and increase your skin cancer risk.
• Be extra cautious near water and snow: These surfaces reflect UV rays and increase exposure.
  
  

For infants under 6 months, it’s best to keep them completely out of direct sunlight.

If you or your child gets sunburned, begin cooling and hydration right away. Most sunburns heal within a week, but it's important to give your skin time to recover. Prevent future burns by building a daily sun safety routine — even in the winter or on cloudy days.

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