Sunburn

Definition

A sunburn is reddening of the skin that occurs after you are overexposed to the sun or other ultraviolet light.

Alternative Names

Solar erythema; Burn from the sun

Considerations

The first signs of a sunburn may not appear for a few hours. The full effect to your skin may not appear for 24 hours or longer. Possible symptoms include:

Symptoms of sunburn are usually temporary. But the damage to skin cells is often permanent, which can have serious long-term effects. These include skin cancer and early aging of the skin. By the time the skin starts to become painful and red, the damage has been done. Pain is worst between 6 to 48 hours after sun exposure.

Causes

Sunburn results when the amount of exposure to the sun or other ultraviolet light source exceeds the ability of melanin to protect the skin. Melanin is the skin's protective coloring (pigment). Sunburn in a very light-skinned person may occur in less than 15 minutes of midday sun exposure, while a dark-skinned person may tolerate the same exposure for hours.

Keep in mind:

Factors that make sunburn more likely:

Home Care

If you do get a sunburn:

Ways to prevent sunburn include:

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your health care provider right away if you have a fever with sunburn. Also call if there are signs of shock, heat exhaustion, dehydration, or other serious reactions. These signs include:

What to Expect at Your Office Visit

Your provider will perform a physical exam and look at your skin. You may be asked about your medical history and current symptoms, including:

References

American Academy of Dermatology website. Sunscreen FAQs. www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/sun-protection/sunscreen-patients/sunscreen-faqs. Accessed June 20, 2023.

Dinulos JGH. Light-related diseases and disorders of pigmentation. In: Dinulos JGH, ed. Habif's Clinical Dermatology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 19.

Sherman KS. Sunburn. In: Kellerman RD, Rakel DP, Heidelbaugh JJ, Lee EM, eds. Conn's Current Therapy 2023. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:1125-1126.


Review Date: 6/7/2023
Reviewed By: Elika Hoss, MD, Assistant Professor of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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