Sunburn Causes and Remedies
Learn about the causes, symptoms, and remedies for sunburn. Discover prevention tips, effective treatments, and long-term skin care strategies to protect against UV damage and maintain healthy skin.
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Last updated on 3rd Jul, 2025
Sunburn is a common skin condition caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight. It appears as red, tender, and swollen skin that may flake after a few days. Though mild sunburn may lead to short-term discomfort, severe cases can have long-term effects on the skin and increase the likelihood of developing skin cancer.
Keep reading to learn the causes of sunburn, risk factors, diagnosis, remedies, and more.
Causes of Sunburn
Sunburn is caused due to the skin absorbing excess UV light, which includes UVA (ultraviolet A) and UVB (Ultraviolet B). UVA can penetrate deep into the skin and cause ageing and DNA damage. However, UVB rays tend to damage only the skin’s surface, causing burns.
Extended exposure to such rays tends to overwhelm the skin’s natural defence systems, resulting in sunburns. Following are some factors that come into play:
Duration of Exposure: The longer one is exposed to direct sunlight, the higher the chance of developing a sunburn as the skin absorbs significant amounts of UV radiation over time.
Time of Day: The greatest intensity of UV radiation occurs between the hours of 10:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M., which is when sunburn is most likely to happen.
Altitude and Latitude: With higher altitudes and closer proximity to the equator, UV radiation is higher, resulting in skin damage and sunburn.
Reflection from Surfaces: Surfaces like water, sand, and snow reflect and enhance sunlight, increasing UV exposure and the risk of sunburn.
Inadequate Protection: Not using sunscreen or protective clothing increases susceptibility, raising the likelihood of getting sunburnt and sustaining long-term UV damage.
Risk Factors for Sunburn
Following are some of the common risk factors of sunburn:
People who have lightly pigmented skin, blue or green eyes and blonde or red hair are more prone to sunburn. This is because of their reduced melanin levels, which offer limited UV protection.
Genetic predisposition is involved as well, with certain individuals being more susceptible to skin damage due to inherited traits.
People living in sunny areas or at high altitudes are more vulnerable to sunburn. UV exposure is much higher at such places due to the reflection of UV radiation from water and snow. Ozone depletion in some places can also increase UV radiation.
What are the Signs of Sunburn?
Signs of sunburn usually develop a few hours after exposure:
The skin may look red or feel warm to the touch.
Affected areas can get sore or sensitive.
Inflammation may develop, especially in severe cases.
In the days after sun exposure, more symptoms can develop:
Fluid-filled bubbles called blisters may appear on the skin, indicating severe burns.
Damaged skin may start to peel as the body cleanses itself of dead cells.
Regular sunburns can lead to hyperpigmentation, older-looking skin, or an increased risk of melanoma.
Diagnosis and Assessment of Sunburn
Generally, sunburn is diagnosed based on visible symptoms and a history of UV exposure. Healthcare providers might evaluate redness, swelling, and blisters to assess the severity:
Mild sunburn exhibits redness and mild irritation. It is usually only slightly painful and clears up quickly with little treatment or attention.
A moderate sunburn is indicated by intense redness, tenderness, and possibly blistering and swelling. It can be painful for several days and may need soothing treatments.
Severe sunburn can cause blistering, extreme pain, and systemic symptoms like fever or nausea. It suggests significant skin damage and a lack of skin protection against injury and infection that may require medical care in the most extreme cases.
Short-term Remedies for Sunburn
If one is suffering from a mild sunburn, some home remedies include:
Cool Compresses: A damp, cold cloth applied on sunburnt skin reduces infection and provides relief from the burning sensation, giving an immediate cooling sensation.
Aloe Vera Gel: Aloe vera gel soothes irritated skin with its excellent anti-inflammatory properties to reduce redness and moisturises sunburnt areas for quick healing.
Rehydrate: After being exposed to UV rays, drinking lots of water restores fluids and normalizes skin repair, contributing to the recovery process.
Some over-the-counter (OTC) treatments include:
NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs): OTCs such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen can lessen pain and inflammation caused by sunburn, relieving an immediate aftermath of discomfort.
Moisturisers: Products with hyaluronic acid or glycerin replenish moisture to parched, sunburned skin, aiding in damage repair and overall skin comfort.
Topical Steroids: Hydrocortisone creams are gentle but effective in alleviating itching and swelling, providing relief from irritation, and promoting faster healing of sunburned skin.
Long-term Skin Care after Sunburn
Retaining skin moisture helps with healing by keeping the area from drying out and flaking. Look for ingredients such as ceramides and colloidal oatmeal in skincare products, which are helpful for healing sunburns.
Recovering from sunburn requires minimising further ultraviolet exposure and supporting the skin’s repair mechanisms. Use gentle skincare products and steer clear of aggressive exfoliants or scrubs. If blisters do develop, it is important not to pop them as this can create a route for infection.
Prevention of Sunburn
On the prevention side, one can keep sunburn at bay by doing the following:
Protective clothing like long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses are easy and effective ways of protecting oneself from skin damage.
During peak UV hours, looking for shaded spots like trees and carrying umbrellas is advisable to reduce direct sun exposure.
Rescheduling outdoor activities to early mornings or evenings can help avoid unnecessary UV exposure, mainly because the sun is not as intense.
Sunscreen is an essential tool in preventing sunburn. Go for a broad-spectrum one with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of at least 30.
Apply generously on all exposed skin 15 minutes before going outside, and reapply every two hours or more frequently if swimming or sweating.
Potential Long-term Effects of Sunburn
UV exposure also contributes to the skin ageing process, resulting in wrinkles, fine lines, and discolouration. Additionally, the loss of skin elasticity can be attributed to UV radiation causing collagen degradation.
Even frequent sunburns greatly elevate the risk of skin cancers, including melanoma. One of the most effective ways to lower this risk is to protect the skin from ultraviolet (UV) rays.
Conclusion
Sunburn is a preventable condition that occurs as a result of overexposure to UV rays. In the short term, it can be managed with home remedies and OTC treatments. Meanwhile, long-term management includes moisturising the skin and protecting it from future damage. Sun-safe practices such as applying sunscreen and using protective wear are important to help reduce risks and maintain overall health and quality of life.
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