Sunburn: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention

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How do you know if you have a sunburn?

Symptoms of sunburn depend on how severe your burn is. Symptoms may include: Redness on lighter skin. People with dark skin can get sunburns, but they can be harder to see unless they peel or blister. Skin feels hot or tight. Pain or tenderness. Swelling. Peeling skin (after several days). You may also experience: Fatigue. Fever. Headache. Nausea.

What does a sunburn look like?

Inflamed skin, which looks pink or red on white skin and may be harder to see on brown or Black skin Headache, fever, nausea and fatigue, if the sunburn is severe Any exposed part of the body — including the earlobes, scalp and lips — can burn.

Is a sunburn a cancer?

Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 06/07/2023. Learn more about our editorial process. A sunburn is actually a radiation burn to your skin. It’s caused by UV ray exposure from the sun or tanning beds. Frequent sunburns can lead to skin aging or cancer.

What happens if you get a sunburn?

Severe sunburn can lead to heat exhaustion and heatstroke, which can be very serious. You can call 111 or get help from 111 online. Getting sunburnt can increase your risk of skin cancer. Find out about sunburn, including what you can do to treat it yourself and when to get medical help.

How long does a sunburn last?

Sunburn is hot and sore skin caused by too much sun. It may flake and peel after a few days. You can treat it yourself. It usually gets better within 7 days. Your skin may also blister if your sunburn is severe. If you have white skin, your skin will usually be red or pink.

What is sunburn & how does it affect your skin?

Sunburn is an inflammatory reaction to ultraviolet (UV) radiation damage to the skin’s outermost layers. At the heart of it all is melanin, a pigment that gives your skin its color and defends it against the sun’s rays. Melanin works by darkening your unprotected sun-exposed skin.

What Is Sunburn

1. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sunburn/
2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sunburn/symptoms-causes/syc-20355922
3. https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/injuries/skin-injuries/sunburn
4. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunburn
5. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21858-sunburn
6. https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/living-well/the-science-of-sunburns-why-they-happen-and-how-to-treat-them/
7. https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/quick-facts-skin-disorders/sunlight-and-skin-damage/sunburn
8. https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/sunburn
9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534837/

Sunburn Information

1. https://patient.info/skin-conditions/sun-and-sunburn
2. https://www.skincancer.org/risk-factors/sunburn/
3. https://www.sja.org.uk/get-advice/first-aid-advice/burns-and-scalds/sunburn/
4. https://www.msdmanuals.com/en-gb/home/skin-disorders/sunlight-and-skin-damage/sunburn