Sun Safety

The Stages of Sunburn

Sunburn is actually a radiation burn caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. When you’ve had too much sun, the skin turns red and painful within a few hours. Sunburn symptoms tend to worsen within 24 to 36 hours, and it can take anywhere from days to weeks, depending on the severity of the burn, to feel better.

Sunburns are classified into two degrees:

First-degree sunburn: First-degree sunburns damage only the top layer of skin, the epidermis. Symptoms include red, dry, irritated skin that might be hot to the touch. These burns typically resolve within three to five days.

Second-degree sunburn: Second-degree sunburn penetrates the epidermis and reaches the layer beneath, called the dermis. Symptoms include deep red skin, swelling and blistering, pain and discomfort. You also may experience fever and nausea. Second-degree sunburns take longer to heal and increase your risk of developing skin cancer.

When to See a Doctor for Sunburn

Most sunburns do not require medical attention. See your doctor for sunburn treatment if:

The sunburn has blisters and/or covers a large portion of your body.
You have a fever, headache, severe pain, dehydration, nausea or chills with the sunburn.
You’ve developed a skin infection — swelling, pus, red-streaks — after a sunburn.

Your doctor may prescribe topical cream or a short course of oral steroids to reduce inflammation and pain caused by the sunburn.