Sun & Environment

Sunburn

Sunburn is skin damage from too much ultraviolet (UV) light, usually from the sun. Skin turns red or darker, sore and hot, and may blister and peel. Most mild sunburn heals in about a week, but every burn adds to long-term skin cancer risk.

Evidence reviewedNovember 13, 2026
Medical reviewDr. Abdurrahman Efem
Practical reviewMerve Akkaya
CauseToo much UV from the sun or sunbeds
Usual healing timeAbout 7 days for mild burns
Blisters meanA deeper, second-degree burn
Get urgent helpFever, chills, dizziness, babies
Key takeaways
  • Most mild sunburn can be cared for at home with cooling, moisturizer, fluids and pain relief, and usually improves within a week.
  • Blistered or swollen skin, fever, chills, dizziness, confusion or any sunburn in a baby need prompt medical advice.
  • Sunburn raises your risk of skin cancer, so prevention with shade, clothing and sunscreen matters more than treatment.

Overview

What is sunburn?

Sunburn is an inflammatory reaction to UV damage in the skin. It shows as redness, heat, soreness and sometimes swelling in skin that was exposed. In darker skin tones redness can be harder to see, but burning still happens and still damages the skin.

Mild sunburn causes redness and tenderness. When skin blisters, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) calls it a second-degree sunburn, meaning deeper damage. Peeling often starts a few days later as the skin sheds damaged cells.

Common signs and patterns

What sunburn can look or feel like

Use these signs to judge severity, and treat any feeling of being unwell as more important than how the skin looks.

Red, hot, tender skin

Skin that feels warm and sore to touch, often outlined by clothing or straps. In deeper skin tones the redness can be harder to see.

Swelling and tightness

Burned areas may puff up and feel tight, especially on the legs, face and around the eyes.

Blisters

Fluid-filled bubbles signal a deeper burn. Blistering is a reason to get medical advice, especially if it is widespread or on the face, hands or genitals.

Peeling and itching

Skin often itches and peels a few days in. This is part of healing; avoid pulling peeling skin off.

Causes and contributors

Sunburn happens when UV exposure outpaces your skin’s defenses.

UV light damages skin cells. Your risk rises with time outdoors, especially in the middle of the day and near water, snow or sand, which reflect UV. Lighter skin tends to burn more easily, but all skin tones can burn.

Missing spots, using too little sunscreen and forgetting to reapply after two hours, swimming or sweating are common reasons people burn despite trying to protect themselves. Sunbeds give off UV too and cause the same damage.

What it may be confused with

Similar-looking concerns need different decisions

Red, sore skin after time outside is usually sunburn, but not always.

Heat exhaustion or heatstroke

Feeling dizzy, sick, very tired, confused or shivery after sun exposure is a whole-body heat problem, not just a skin burn. Get help quickly.

Contact dermatitis

An itchy rash where a product, such as a sunscreen ingredient or fragrance, touched the skin. It follows the area of contact rather than sun-exposed skin alone.

Facial redness

Ongoing flushing or redness, for example from rosacea, that is triggered by heat and sun but does not blister or peel like a burn.

Bottom line

Treat the burn kindly now, and prevent the next one.

Sunburn care is about comfort while the skin heals: cool it, moisturize, drink water, take a pain reliever if needed and keep it covered from the sun. Avoid ice, heavy greasy products on unbroken burns, popping blisters and tight clothing.

The burn will fade, but the UV damage adds up. The most useful thing you can do after a burn is change what happens next time: shade in the middle of the day, covering clothing and a hat, and broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, reapplied.

Evidence-supported options

Choose care that matches how severe the burn is

This is general education, not a personal treatment plan. Medicine names, strengths and availability vary by country; follow the label or ask a pharmacist.

Supportive care

Cooling and moisturizing

Cool showers, baths or damp cloths ease heat and pain. Apply an unperfumed moisturizer or one with aloe vera while skin is still damp.

Limit: Soothes symptoms but does not undo UV damage. Avoid ice and products containing alcohol or fragrance.

Supportive care

Pain relief and fluids

Over-the-counter ibuprofen or paracetamol (acetaminophen) can ease pain and swelling. Sunburn draws fluid to the skin, so drink extra water.

Limit: Follow the label, and check with a pharmacist if you have other conditions or take other medicines.

Supportive care

Blister and peeling care

Leave blisters intact so they protect the skin beneath. Let peeling skin come away on its own and keep the area clean.

Limit: Large, widespread or infected-looking blisters (swelling, pus, red streaks) need a clinician.

Prevention

Shade, clothing and sunscreen

Seek shade between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., wear covering clothing and a wide-brimmed hat, and use broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30 or higher.

Limit: Sunscreen only works if you apply enough and reapply every two hours and after swimming or sweating.

Supportive skincare

Care after a burn, and a routine to prevent the next one

Skip active ingredients such as retinoids and exfoliating acids on burned skin until it has fully healed.

After sun exposure

  1. Get out of the sun and cool downMove indoors or into shade, then use cool showers or damp cloths several times a day. Pat dry gently, and do not let babies or young children get too cold.
  2. Moisturize and hydrateApply a fragrance-free or aloe moisturizer to damp skin, and drink extra water for the next day or so.
  3. Protect while it healsKeep burned skin covered with loose clothing and out of direct sun until it has healed.

Prevention

  1. Plan around the sunCheck the UV index and seek shade in the middle of the day; your shadow being shorter than you is a quick cue.
  2. Cover upWear a wide-brimmed hat, UV-protective sunglasses and lightweight long sleeves when outdoors for long.
  3. Apply and reapply sunscreenUse broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher on all exposed skin and reapply every two hours. See how much sunscreen to use.

Common mistakes

What can make sunburn worse or slower to heal

  • Putting ice or ice packs directly on burned skin.
  • Popping blisters or pulling off peeling skin.
  • Using perfumed, alcohol-based or heavy greasy products on unbroken burned skin.
  • Going back into the sun before the burn has healed.
  • Exfoliating or using retinoids and acids on sunburned skin.

When professional help makes sense

Seek urgent medical help when sunburn comes with these signs

  • Any sunburn in a baby or young child; move them out of the sun, use cool compresses and call your pediatrician or local urgent advice line right away.
  • Blistered or swollen skin, especially large blisters or blisters on the face, hands or genitals.
  • Fever, chills, feeling hot and shivery, headache, nausea, vomiting or muscle cramps.
  • Dizziness, fainting, confusion, extreme tiredness, cold skin or signs of dehydration; these can mean heatstroke and need emergency care.
  • Signs of infection, such as increasing pain, swelling, pus or red streaks, or eye pain and vision changes.

Related reading

Continue with the next useful question

Sun DamageHow repeated UV exposure ages and harms skin. How to Choose a Face SunscreenPicking a sunscreen you will actually wear daily. SPF 30 vs SPF 50What the numbers mean in real-world use. Summer Skincare RoutineA simple routine for hot, sunny months.

Editorial record

What this page knows, and what remains uncertain

Evidence summary

Self-care and warning signs follow NHS, American Academy of Dermatology and Mayo Clinic first-aid guidance, with infant advice from the US FDA.

Important limitations

Home-care advice for sunburn is based mainly on clinical experience rather than large trials. Sources differ slightly on details, such as whether to put petroleum jelly on burned skin.

Financial transparency

No paid product placement or affiliate ranking is included on this foundation page.

Recommendation logic

Options move from comfort care to blister care to prevention, with urgent warning signs listed separately.

Editorial Record

Editorial status
reviewed
Medical reviewer
Dr. Abdurrahman Efem
Practical reviewer
Merve Akkaya
Last reviewed
November 13, 2026

Frequently asked questions

Short answers to common questions

What is the fastest way to heal a sunburn?

There is no quick fix. Cooling, moisturizing, drinking water, pain relief and keeping the skin out of the sun help it heal, and mild sunburn usually improves within about a week.

Should I pop sunburn blisters?

No. Blisters protect the skin underneath and help prevent infection. If one breaks, keep it clean and covered loosely, and see a clinician if it looks infected.

When is sunburn an emergency?

Get urgent help for fever, chills, dizziness, fainting, confusion, vomiting, signs of dehydration, or blistered or swollen skin. Any sunburn in a baby or young child also needs prompt medical advice.

Is aloe vera good for sunburn?

Dermatologists suggest moisturizers with aloe vera to soothe sunburned skin. It eases discomfort but does not repair the UV damage.

Can I put sunscreen on a baby?

The US FDA says sunscreen is generally not the answer for babies under 6 months, because they are more prone to side effects such as rash. Keep them in the shade and covered, and ask your pediatrician first. If a baby gets sunburned, move them out of the sun, apply cool compresses and call the pediatrician right away.

Does one sunburn increase skin cancer risk?

Getting sunburned increases your risk of skin cancer, and the damage adds up over a lifetime. Preventing burns, especially in childhood, is one of the most useful things you can do.

Compare and go deeper

Side-by-side comparisons and practical guides

Skin concern

Heat Rash

Heat rash happens when sweat ducts get blocked and sweat leaks into the skin, causing tiny itchy or prickly bumps.

Comparison

Spray vs Lotion Sunscreen

Lotion is easier to apply in the right amount and evenly, so it gives more predictable protection.

Guide

Can You Use Retinol in Summer?

Retinoids can make skin more sensitive to the sun, so dermatology guidance pairs nighttime use with daily sun protection rather than stopping.

Sources reviewed

Guidance behind this page

Sources support general editorial guidance. They do not replace regional product labels, prescribing information or personal medical assessment.

Continue exploring

Skin ConcernsReturn to the complete library. IngredientsUnderstand active and supporting ingredients before combining products. GuidesPractical how-tos for routines, sunscreen and labels. Medical DisclaimerUnderstand the limits of general skincare information.