Sunburn

What is sunburn?#

Sunburn is the skin’s reaction to too much ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. You can see sunlight and feel heat (infrared radiation), but you cannot see or feel UV radiation. UV can be just as high and damaging on cool, cloudy days as on warm, sunny ones.

UV radiation passes through light cloud. It can also be scattered by particles in the air and reflected off surfaces such as buildings, concrete, sand and snow. Because you cannot feel UV doing damage, sunburn can begin in as little as 11 minutes without you noticing the harm to your cells and DNA.

What happens to the skin#

Skin can start to turn red within 3 to 4 hours, but reddening and inflammation usually peak between 12 and 24 hours after exposure. Blood flow to the area increases, raising heat and swelling as the lymphatic system sends fluid to repair the damage. Because the sun also emits infrared energy, this heat affects the cells too and can cause first-degree burn damage.

The longer and stronger the exposure, the deeper the damage. Some people will blister with second- and third-degree burns. Most of the damaged cells in the epidermis begin to die off. This cell death makes the outer dead layers peel away. New cells form underneath, but they may still carry DNA damage. Depending on the severity, healing can take days or weeks.

Over time, DNA damage that is not repaired can build up and lead to abnormal cells developing into skin cancer, including melanoma, the most dangerous type. This is why prevention is so important.

Symptoms of sunburn#

• changes in skin colour, ranging from pink to red and even purple
• skin that feels hot to the touch
• pain and/or itching
• swelling
• fluid-filled blisters that may itch and eventually break
• broken blisters that peel to reveal tender skin beneath

Mild sunburn can be treated at home, but severe and blistered sunburn needs prompt medical attention.

How to prevent sunburn#

Use a combination of sun protection measures whenever UV levels are high (forecast to reach 3 or higher). You can check the daily UV forecast and recommended sun protection times for your area through a reliable weather or UV index source.

When UV levels are low (below 3), sun protection is generally not needed, unless you are at high altitude, near UV-reflective surfaces such as snow, or outdoors for long periods. Cumulative UV exposure adds up over time and adds to your risk of skin cancer.

During the daily sun protection times, use a combination of five measures:

• Slip on sun-protective clothing that covers as much skin as possible.
• Slop on SPF 50+ broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen. Apply 20 minutes before going outdoors and reapply every 2 hours.
• Slap on a broad-brimmed hat that protects your face, head, neck and ears.
• Seek shade.
• Slide on wrap-around sunglasses that meet a recognised safety standard.

Treating sunburn#

There is no cure for sunburn except time and patience. Treatment aims to manage the symptoms while the body heals. Suggestions include:

• Drink plenty of water, because time in the sun can lead to dehydration as well as sunburn.
• Gently apply cool or cold compresses, or bathe the area in cool water. Avoid soap, which may irritate the skin.
• Ask a pharmacist about products that soothe sunburn. Choose spray-on solutions rather than creams that need rubbing in.
• Consider covering itchy blisters with a wound dressing to reduce the risk of infection.
• If your skin is not too painful, apply moisturiser. This will not stop peeling, but it boosts the moisture in the skin beneath.
• Do not apply butter to sunburnt skin.
• Take over-the-counter pain relief if needed.
• Keep out of the sun until your skin has completely healed.

When skin is peeling#

There is no cream or lotion that will stop burnt skin peeling off, as this is part of the natural healing process.

• Resist the temptation to pick at the skin, and let dead skin detach on its own.
• Remove detached skin carefully and slowly. Don’t rip it off, or you risk removing more skin than you intended.
• Apply antiseptic cream to the newly revealed skin to reduce the risk of infection.

Treatment for severe sunburn#

See a doctor or go to the nearest hospital emergency department if you have:

• severe sunburn with extensive blistering and pain
• sunburn over a large area of skin
• headache
• nausea and vomiting
• fever
• dizziness or altered consciousness

Avoiding sunburn and UV damage#

• Don’t assume sun exposure is safe just because you can’t feel it stinging your skin. That sting is heat, not UV radiation.
• UV levels aren’t linked to temperature, so don’t rely on how warm it feels. If you’re not sure, check the sun protection times for your location.
• Many people get sunburnt around water, at the beach or the pool. Always use a combination of measures, never just one.
• You can get sunburnt while relaxing, such as watching outdoor sports, picnicking or playing sport.
• Winter activities such as skiing and snowboarding carry a high risk, because UV is already stronger at altitude and snow reflects it efficiently.
• What many people call “windburn” is usually sunburn. Wind can dry the skin, but it doesn’t burn.
• A tan does not protect against skin and eye damage or the risk of skin cancer.
• Use sun protection every day if you work outdoors.

Protecting babies and children#

All babies under 12 months should be kept out of direct sun when UV levels are 3 or higher. The best protection is physical: dense shade, cool covering clothing and soft broad-brimmed hats. For small areas of exposed skin not covered by clothing or a hat, apply a sensitive or toddler sunscreen to infants 6 months and older. The widespread use of sunscreen on babies under 6 months old is not recommended.

Key points#

• Cell death causes the outer dead layers to peel.
• Prevention is very important.
• Symptoms can include broken blisters that peel to reveal tender skin beneath.
• Cumulative UV exposure adds up over time and adds to your risk of skin cancer.
• There is no cure for sunburn except time and patience.

Where to get help#