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How long does a sunburn last?
How common is sunburn?
How do you know if you have sunburn?
What is a sunburn & what causes it?
What happens if you get a sunburn?
What are the long-term risks of sunburn?
your skin is blistered or swollen. your temperature is very high, or you feel hot and shivery. you feel very tired, dizzy and sick. you have a headache and muscle cramps. your baby or young child has sunburn. Severe sunburn can lead to heat exhaustion and heatstroke, which can be very serious. You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.
- Overview
- First degree sunburn
- Second degree sunburn
- Risk factors
- When to contact a doctor
- Sunburn complications
- How to protect the skin and prevent sunburn
- Summary
First degree sunburn damages the skin’s outer layer and will heal by itself. Second degree sunburn may penetrate the skin’s outer layer and damage the layer beneath. It may also require specialist treatment.
Sunburn refers to flushed, damaged skin caused by overexposure to UV rays from the sun or an artificial heat source. Sunburn varies from mild to severe.
In the United States, sunburn is common. A 2015 National Health Interview Survey showed that 50% of 18–29-year-old adults reported cases of sunburn in the previous year.
Sunburn is usually first degree or second degree, depending on the depth and size of the affected area of skin.
First degree sunburn damages the skin’s outer layer and will heal by itself, usually within a few days.
A person with first degree sunburn may notice the following skin symptoms, usually about 4 hours after exposure to sunlight:
•redness, which is more apparent on light skin
•a warm or tight feeling
•swelling or blistering
•soreness
Second degree sunburn may penetrate the skin’s outer layer and damage the layer beneath, which is called the dermis.
It may take weeks to heal and may need specialist treatment. A person with second degree sunburn may notice the following symptoms:
•skin that is deep red, especially on light skin
•swelling and blistering over a large area
•wet-looking, shiny skin
•pain
Certain factors increase the risk of sunburn. These include:
•being outdoors when the UV index is highest, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
•having fair skin, blue eyes, freckles, or red or blonde hair
•being outdoors at higher altitudes, such as when skiing or hiking
•working or playing sports outdoors
•being closer to the equator
People with sunburn should visit a healthcare professional if:
•Blistered skin covers much of the body.
•Blisters develop on the face, hands, or genitals.
•There are symptoms of infection, such as foul-smelling pus, bleeding, pain, or swelling.
•The symptoms do not improve within a few days.
A person needs emergency treatment if they experience:
Sunburn in childhood can significantly increase the risk of developing skin cancer in later life.
People who have frequent sunburns should contact a dermatologist, as this can also increase the risk of skin cancer.
The following tips can help reduce exposure to the sun’s harmful rays and protect the skin when outdoors:
•Apply adequate protective cream with an SPF of 30 or above to protect against UVB rays.
•Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours and after swimming.
•Wear a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors.
•Wear dark, close-weaved fabrics that block sunlight. Wearing UV protection factor clothing also helps.
•Look for shaded spots to sit in when outdoors.
People with fair skin, blue eyes, and light hair are at highest risk of sunburn.
Symptoms of sunburn include flushed skin, swelling, blisters, and nausea. People who have any symptoms of dehydration, heatstroke, or heat exhaustion should seek advice from a healthcare professional.
People can usually treat sunburn at home. However, severe sunburn may occasionally need urgent specialist treatment.
If people take suitable precautions when outdoors, they will decrease their risk of sunburn.
Oct 17, 2024 · Sunburn is skin damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays. It usually causes the skin to become red, sore, warm, tender and occasionally itchy for about a week. The skin will normally start to flake and peel after a few days and will usually fully heal within 7 days. While sunburn is often short-lived and mild, it’s important to try to avoid it ...
Jun 7, 2024 · Headache, fever, nausea and fatigue, if the sunburn is severe. Eyes that feel painful or gritty. Any exposed part of the body — including the earlobes, scalp and lips — can burn. Even covered areas can burn if, for example, clothing has a loose weave that allows ultraviolet (UV) light through.
Symptoms of sunburn depend on how severe your burn is. Symptoms may include: First-degree sunburn symptoms. Redness on lighter skin. People with dark skin can get sunburns, but they can be harder to see unless they peel or blister. Skin feels hot or tight. Pain or tenderness. Swelling. Peeling skin (after several days). You may also experience ...
What is sunburn? Whether you’re out in the park, or relaxing on the beach, it’s important to avoid too much exposure to the sun by covering up with clothing, staying in the shade and applying high factor sunscreen. Most sunburn is mild, but in severe cases the skin can become damaged, turn lobster red and blister.
May 6, 2024 · Rather, it causes symptoms that are more severe than a typical sunburn. Sun poisoning occurs from prolonged sun exposure without sun protection or with inadequate sun protection. It can also occur with even mild sun exposure if you have certain risk factors — for example, if you have a skin condition that makes you more sensitive to the sun, or if you are taking a medication that increases ...
