July 02, 2025
Summertime means more time outdoors, but without proper protection, that fun in the sun can lead to painful sunburn.
Symptoms include red or pink skin, swelling, tenderness, and a hot sensation when you touch your skin. In some cases, sunburn can cause itching, blistering, or even eye irritation. Severe sunburn may be accompanied by headache, fever, nausea, or fatigue.
Understanding what causes sunburn, as well as knowing how to prevent and treat it, can help you stay safe all season long.
Sunburns and tans are both the result of ultraviolet (UV) rays damaging your skin. You get tanned when ultraviolet A (UVA) rays penetrate deep into your skin and stimulate melanin production. Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, however, damage the outer layers of your skin, causing it to burn.
UV rays are unhealthy. They can cause premature aging, skin damage, and increase the risk of skin cancer (including melanoma). UV exposure can also lead to precancerous growths called actinic keratoses.
Contrary to popular belief, getting a "base tan" offers minimal protection. At best, it only provides about as much protection as a sunscreen with a 3 or 4 sun protection factor (SPF), which is far below the SPF 30 or higher that dermatologists recommend. And worse, it still involves damaging your skin in the process.
The most effective way to protect your skin from sunburn is to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30. Broad-spectrum products protect against both UVA and UVB rays.
You should apply sunscreen 15 minutes before going outside. Reapply it every two hours and after sweating heavily or swimming. Be sure to also check the expiration date on your sunscreen. If there isn't one, assume it’s good for up to three years from the purchase date.
The best way to prevent sunburn is to limit your time in the sun, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. When you are outside, wear clothing that covers your skin, such as broad-brim hats, UV-blocking sunglasses, long-sleeve shirts, and full-length pants.
You should also know your risk for sunburn. You are at higher risk if you have fair skin, red or blonde hair, a history of sunburn, or are taking medications like doxycycline or tetracycline. UV exposure is also more intense at high altitudes or near reflective surfaces such as water, sand, cement, or snow.
While there’s no cure for sunburn, you can take steps to ease the discomfort.
Cool baths or showers can soothe the skin. Adding oatmeal or baking soda may provide even more relief. Gently pat your skin dry afterward and avoid rubbing.
You can also apply cool, damp washcloths to affected areas or use moisturizing creams if there are no blisters. Avoid oil-based products like petroleum jelly or butter, which can trap heat and make irritation even worse.
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can reduce inflammation and discomfort. Staying hydrated is also key to the recovery process, so drink plenty of water.
If your eyes are affected, apply cool compresses or wet tea bags. Avoid rubbing your eyes and don’t use contact lenses until you feel better.
Wearing loose-fitting cotton clothing can help to avoid further irritation. And never pick at blisters. If blisters form, keep them clean and covered with dry bandages to prevent an infection.
Spending time outdoors is one of the joys of summer, but it also requires being smart about sun safety. Wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and limiting sun exposure during peak hours can significantly reduce your risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.
