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Understanding Sunburn: How Your Skin Gets Damaged

Sunburn happens when ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun damages the outer layer of your skin called the epidermis. When you spend time in the sun without protection, UV rays penetrate your skin and injure the DNA in your skin cells. Your body responds to this injury by increasing blood flow to the affected area, which causes the red, painful inflammation you see and feel. This process typically begins within 15 minutes of sun exposure, though the full extent of a sunburn may not appear for several hours.

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The severity of sunburn depends on several factors. Your skin type plays a major role—people with lighter skin tend to burn more easily than those with darker skin tones, though anyone can get sunburned. The time of day matters significantly; UV rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Geographic location also affects burn risk. People living closer to the equator or at higher elevations face stronger UV exposure. Cloud cover provides some protection but not complete coverage—up to 80 percent of UV rays can penetrate clouds on an overcast day.

Medical research shows that about 1 in 3 American adults report getting sunburned each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Children are particularly vulnerable because their skin is more sensitive and they often spend extended time outdoors. Even brief exposures can cause damage. A sunburn represents actual injury to your skin cells, not just temporary discomfort. Understanding this helps explain why prevention and proper treatment matter for your skin's long-term health.

Practical Takeaway: Recognizing how sunburn develops helps you take prevention seriously. UV exposure is cumulative over your lifetime, meaning each burn adds to your risk of skin cancer and premature aging later on.

Immediate Care Steps for Sunburned Skin

The first hours after sun exposure are critical for managing a sunburn. If you notice redness or feel warmth in your skin, move indoors or into the shade right away. Stop any additional UV exposure immediately, as continued sun contact will worsen the damage. Your skin will continue to redden and feel more painful over the next 24 to 48 hours as your body's inflammatory response peaks, so early intervention helps reduce discomfort during this period.

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Cooling your skin is the most important first step. Take a cool (not cold) shower or bath, or apply cool compresses to the affected areas. Cool water helps reduce inflammation and provides temporary pain relief. Avoid ice or extremely cold water, which can damage already-injured skin. Keep your shower brief—around 10 to 15 minutes—and use lukewarm water rather than hot water, as heat makes sunburn worse. After cooling, gently pat your skin dry rather than rubbing it, since burned skin is sensitive and easily irritated.

Hydration matters significantly in sunburn recovery. Burned skin draws fluid toward the surface and away from the rest of your body, potentially causing dehydration. Drink plenty of water and other fluids throughout the day. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, as these can increase dehydration. Keeping your body well-hydrated helps your skin heal more effectively and may reduce inflammation. Many people notice their sunburn feels worse by evening if they haven't been drinking enough water throughout the day.

Moisturizing your skin after cooling helps prevent excessive drying. Look for gentle products without perfumes, alcohol, or numbing agents like benzocaine. Aloe vera products are commonly used for sunburn, though research shows mixed results—some people find relief while others experience irritation. If you use aloe vera, apply it after your skin has cooled. Petroleum jelly or fragrance-free moisturizers work well for many people. Avoid oil-based products or heavy creams that can trap heat in your skin.

Practical Takeaway: Your first 24 hours of care set the stage for recovery. Cool your skin, drink plenty of water, and use gentle moisturizers to manage initial discomfort and support healing.

Over-the-Counter Products and Pain Management

Several types of over-the-counter products can help manage sunburn pain and inflammation. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen reduce both pain and inflammation when taken early. Taking these medications within the first 24 to 48 hours of sunburn appears to be most effective. These work by limiting your body's inflammatory response, potentially reducing the severity of symptoms. Always follow package directions for dosing and frequency, and consult a pharmacist or doctor if you have questions about whether these medications are right for you.

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Topical pain relievers offer another option. Products containing hydrocortisone cream (a mild steroid) can reduce inflammation and itching. Hydrocortisone is available in low-strength formulations over the counter. Some people use products with menthol or camphor for a cooling sensation, though these should be used cautiously on large areas of burned skin. Avoid products containing benzocaine or lidocaine, as these numbing agents can cause irritation in some people or rarely trigger allergic reactions.

Moisturizing lotions and creams serve both comfort and healing purposes. Products labeled as "after-sun care" often contain ingredients like aloe vera, vitamin E, or glycerin. While vitamin E is popular for skin care, research hasn't conclusively shown it improves sunburn healing. However, these moisturizers do help prevent your skin from drying out excessively, which reduces peeling and discomfort. Apply moisturizers while your skin is still slightly damp from washing to help lock in hydration.

Pain management strategies beyond products also help. Wearing loose, soft clothing made from breathable fabrics reduces friction on burned skin. Cotton clothing works better than synthetic materials. Keep burned areas out of direct sunlight by wearing protective clothing or staying indoors. Resting with affected areas elevated can help reduce swelling. Taking cool baths or showers multiple times daily provides ongoing relief, though limit time in water to prevent excessive drying. Over-the-counter products work best when combined with these comfort measures rather than used alone.

Practical Takeaway: Over-the-counter pain relievers work best when taken early, and gentle moisturizers prevent additional skin damage during healing. Combine products with comfort measures like loose clothing and shade for better overall relief.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Severe Sunburn

Most sunburns can be managed at home, but certain situations require medical evaluation. Severe sunburn—when large areas of your body are affected or blistering occurs—indicates deep skin damage that benefits from professional assessment. Blisters represent fluid accumulation beneath damaged skin layers and suggest second-degree burn-level injury. Never pop blisters, as this increases infection risk. A doctor can evaluate whether your blisters need protective dressing or monitoring.

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Seek medical attention if you experience fever, chills, or signs of heat exhaustion along with sunburn. These symptoms suggest your body is having a significant systemic response to the injury. Heat exhaustion can develop when sun exposure causes fluid loss faster than your body can replace it, leading to dizziness, nausea, or weakness. If you feel confused, extremely dizzy, or notice your heartbeat is irregular, these are medical emergencies requiring immediate care. Additionally, if sunburn covers more than 15 percent of your body or affects your face, hands, feet, or genitals, medical evaluation helps prevent complications.

People with certain conditions need to be particularly cautious about sun exposure and should see a doctor if sunburned. This includes individuals with weakened immune systems, those taking medications that increase sun sensitivity (including some antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and blood pressure medications), and people with a history of skin cancer or pre-cancerous growths. Infants under 6 months old should not be exposed to direct sunlight at all, and any sunburn in a baby requires medical attention immediately.

Watch for signs of infection in the days following your sunburn. Infected burned skin may develop increasing pain, warmth, swelling, pus, or red streaking. These signs suggest bacteria have entered through damaged skin and warrant prompt medical evaluation. Infection risk is particularly high when blisters are present or when burned skin is exposed to dirty environments. If you notice these warning signs, contact your doctor or visit an urgent care facility rather than waiting for an appointment.

Practical Takeaway: Most sunburns improve with home care, but blistering