Sunburn: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

Redness can be less obvious on darker skin, so color alone cannot rule out a burn. Pain settling over several days does not erase cumulative UV damage or remove the need for protection.

Related reading: Drug eruptions and other rashes.

Affected skin feels hot, tender and painful; swelling and later peeling may develop. Blistering suggests more severe injury. Dizziness, nausea, fever or reduced urination raise concern for dehydration or accompanying heat illness.

Ultraviolet radiation damages inadequately protected skin, from sunlight or tanning devices. Cloud cover does not eliminate exposure, and cool or windy weather does not reliably prevent injury.

Risk rises with prolonged exposure, insufficient protection, easily burned skin and certain photosensitizing medicines. Ask a pharmacist about your medicines; every skin tone needs protection.

Assessment usually relies on exposure history and examination of the area and blisters. Severe symptoms prompt evaluation of alertness and hydration. Routine laboratory tests are unnecessary for a straightforward mild burn.

Go indoors or into shade and use a cool shower or gentle damp compress and an unperfumed moisturizer. Drink fluids and ask a pharmacist about suitable pain relief. Avoid direct ice, popping blisters or pulling off peeling skin.

Dehydration and infection of damaged skin may complicate a burn. Repeated UV exposure and burns increase skin cancer and premature skin-aging risks. Healing the current burn does not undo past exposure.

Combine shade, clothing, a hat and protective sunglasses with broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30 or higher sunscreen. Reapply every two hours outdoors and after swimming or sweating, following its label. Sunscreen is not a reason to prolong exposure.