Overview
Sunburn is skin damage caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources such as sunbeds. It causes redness, pain, peeling, and in severe cases blistering. Repeated sunburns significantly increase the risk of skin cancer, particularly melanoma. There is no safe suntan — any change in skin colour from UV exposure is a sign of damage.
How common is it?
Anyone can get sunburn after excessive UV exposure. Skin type affects the risk, but darker skin can also burn.
Causes and risk factors
UV radiation (UVA and UVB) penetrates skin, damages DNA in keratinocytes, and triggers an inflammatory response. Melanin production (tanning) is a protective response but also a marker of damage.
Common risk factors
- Fair skin, light hair, and blue eyes
- Sun exposure when local UV levels are strongest, usually around midday
- Altitude and proximity to equator
- Reflective surfaces: snow, sand, water
- Use of sunbeds
- Certain medications (photosensitising): doxycycline, thiazides, amiodarone
- Not using or reapplying sunscreen
Symptoms
- Tender, hot skin after sun exposure; redness may be less visible on brown or black skin.
- Pain and warmth
- Swelling
- Blistering in severe sunburn
- Peeling skin as healing occurs (3 to 5 days after burn)
- Systemic symptoms with severe sunburn: fever, chills, nausea, headache, dehydration (sun poisoning)
When to see a doctor
Get urgent medical advice for blistered or swollen sunburn, fever, dizziness, nausea, headache or muscle cramps, or sunburn in a baby or young child. Call emergency services for possible heatstroke, such as confusion, a seizure, loss of consciousness or severe breathing difficulty after heat exposure. A blistering sunburn needs assessment, but it does not automatically require a dermatologist appointment.
Diagnosis
Assessment considers the skin injury and whether there are signs of dehydration or heat-related illness. Severe symptoms need prompt medical attention.
Treatments
Cool the skin
Move out of the sun and cool skin with a cool shower, bath or damp towel. Do not use ice or ice packs. Take care not to overcool babies or young children.
NSAIDs and paracetamol
Paracetamol or ibuprofen may help pain if suitable; follow the leaflet. Avoid self-treating with ibuprofen when dehydrated or with kidney disease, and ask a pharmacist about interactions with regular medicines.
Hydration and moisturiser
Drink extra fluids to prevent dehydration. Apply fragrance-free moisturiser or aloe vera gel to reduce discomfort and peeling. Avoid petroleum jelly or butter which trap heat.
Blister management
Do not burst blisters. Seek urgent advice for blistering sunburn. If a blister breaks, keep it clean and protect it with a suitable dressing; antibiotics are only needed if a clinician identifies infection.
Self-care and lifestyle
- Apply SPF 30+ broad-spectrum sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before sun exposure, reapplying every 2 hours and after swimming
- Seek shade when UV levels are high, especially around midday; follow local UV advice.
- Wear protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses
- Never use sunbeds
Prevention
Use shade, protective clothing and sunscreen, and avoid sunbeds. Protect children from excessive sun exposure and prevent repeat burns.
Sources for targeted updates
Updated: 24 October 2026. Targeted corrections to symptoms, treatment, frequency, risk factors, self-care. This update covers the named sections; a full review of the remaining guide is pending.