Sunburn
This article is general health information for the selected condition. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace clinical judgement. If you have questions or need treatment advice, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
What is sunburn?
Sunburn is inflammation of the skin caused by ultraviolet radiation. Beyond the immediate pain, each episode causes DNA damage that accumulates, and severe or repeated childhood sunburn substantially raises the lifetime risk of melanoma. Redness peaks several hours after exposure, so damage is often worse than it looks at the time.
Causes
- Ultraviolet B and A radiation from the sun
- Sunbeds
- Reflection from water, sand and snow
- Higher altitude and latitudes near the equator
- Medicines that increase light sensitivity
Symptoms
- Red, warm and tender skin
- Pain and burning sensation
- Swelling
- Blistering in more severe burns
- Peeling skin after a few days
- Headache, nausea and fever with severe burns
- Redness peaking 12 to 24 hours after exposure
Risk factors
- Fair skin that burns easily
- Freckles, red or blonde hair
- Being outdoors between 11am and 3pm
- Photosensitising medicines such as doxycycline
- High altitude or tropical locations
- Not reapplying sunscreen
Diagnosis
- Clinical diagnosis from history of sun exposure
- Assessment of burn depth and extent
- Checking for dehydration and heat illness
- Medication review for photosensitivity
Treatment
- Cool the skin with a cool shower or damp cloths
- Aftersun or unperfumed moisturiser
- Paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain
- Drink extra fluids
- Leave blisters intact and cover loosely if they burst
- Medical assessment for extensive blistering or systemic symptoms
Self care
- Get out of the sun immediately and stay covered
- Take frequent cool showers or apply cool damp cloths
- Apply unperfumed moisturiser or aloe based aftersun
- Drink more water than usual
- Do not burst blisters
- Avoid petroleum jelly, ice directly on skin and numbing sprays
- Keep the area completely out of the sun until healed
When to see a doctor
Book an appointment if:
- Extensive blistering
- Sunburn in a baby or young child
- Fever, chills or feeling faint after sun exposure
- Signs of skin infection in blistered areas
- A mole that changes after sun exposure
- Burning easily despite sunscreen, which may indicate a medicine effect
Some symptoms need emergency care rather than an appointment. See the warning signs listed above.
Prevention
- Seek shade between 11am and 3pm
- Wear a hat, sunglasses and close weave clothing
- Apply broad spectrum SPF30 or higher generously
- Reapply every two hours and after swimming or sweating
- Never use sunbeds
- Take extra care with children, who should not burn at all
Outlook
Mild sunburn settles within three to five days with peeling, and severe burns take one to two weeks. The skin recovers but the DNA damage does not fully reverse. Five or more blistering sunburns before age 20 is associated with roughly double the melanoma risk, which makes prevention the meaningful treatment.
Common questions
Can I burn on a cloudy day?
Yes. Up to 80 percent of ultraviolet radiation passes through cloud, and cooler temperatures remove the warning sensation of heat. Burns on overcast days are common for exactly that reason.
Does a base tan protect me?
Barely. A tan provides roughly the equivalent of SPF 3, which is negligible, and is itself a sign of DNA damage. There is no safe way to tan, including on sunbeds.
References
Important: Dard AI is not a medical device and does not diagnose, treat, or replace clinician judgement. This article is general information only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about diagnosis and treatment, and seek emergency care for severe or rapidly worsening symptoms.