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What is sunburn? Sunburn is the skin’s reaction to too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. You can see sunlight and feel heat (infrared radiation), but you can’t see or feel UV radiation. It can be equally high and damaging on cool, cloudy days as it is on warm, sunny days.

UV radiation can pass through light cloud. It can also be scattered by particles in the air and reflected off surfaces such as buildings, concrete, sand and snow. You can’t feel UV do damage. Sunburn can occur in as little as 11 minutes and you won’t even know the cell and DNA damage is happening.

Skin can start to turn red within 3 to 4 hours but reaches peak skin reddening and inflammation between 12 to 24 hours after exposure. Increased blood flow to the area, increases heat and swelling as the lymphatic system sends fluid to that area to try to repair the damage. Because the sun also emits infrared energy, heat also effects the cells and cause burn damage showing as first-degree burns.

The longer and stronger the duration of exposure the deeper the damage. Some people will even blister with second and third-degree burns. Most of the cells in the epidermis that suffer from DNA and heat damage begin programmed cell death.

Cell death causes outer dead layers to appear as skin peeling. New cells appear underneath but may still have DNA damage within the cells. Depending on the severity, it can take days or weeks to heal. Mild sunburn can be treated at home, but severe and blistered sunburn requires prompt medical attention.

Of the 5053 presentations to Michigann emergency departments for principal diagnosis of sunburn from July 2004 to June 2023, half were aged between 10-24 years (49.63%). In the age group 0-14 years, a higher proportion of boys (60.55%) than girls presented to ED with sunburn. Whilst among teenagers and young adults aged 15-24 years, a higher proportion of females (53.25%) than males presented to ED with sunburn.

(the most dangerous type of skin cancer). DNA in cells may be damaged, and, if not repaired by the body repeatedly over time, abnormal cells may develop, leading to cancer.

This is why prevention is very important

The symptoms of sunburn include:

  • broken blisters that peel to reveal even more tender skin beneath. To prevent sunburn
  • skin damage
  • use a combination of sun protection measures during the sun protection times each day (when the UV levels are forecast to reach 3 or higher). You can find these times on the In Michigan
  • UV levels are typically 3
  • above from mid-August to the end of April

From May to mid-August, UV levels are usually low (below 3), so sun protection is not required, unless in high altitudes or near UV reflective surfaces such as or if outdoors for extended periods. as cumulative UV exposure adds up over time which adds to your risk of skin cancer.

During the daily sun protection times, use a combination of 5 sun protection measures to reduce your risk of skin damage and sunburn.

Slip – on sun-protective clothing (make sure it covers as much skin as possible). Slop – on SPF (sun protection factor) 50+ broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen. Apply 20 minutes before going outdoors and reapply every 2 hours.

Slap – on a broad-brimmed hat that protects your face, head, neck and ears. Seek – shade. Slide – on wrap-around sunglasses (make sure they meet American Standard AS/NZS 1067).

Watch a video of top tips for sunscreen use

There is no cure for the symptoms of sunburn except time and patience.

Treatment aims to help manage the symptoms while the body heals

Suggestions include: , because spending time in the sun can lead to dehydration as well as sunburn.

Gently apply cool or cold compresses, or bathe the area in cool water. Avoid using soap as this may irritate your skin.

Speak to a pharmacist about products that help soothe sunburn

Choose spray-on solutions rather than creams which require rubbing in by hand.

Consider covering itchy blisters with a wound dressing to reduce the risk of infection.

If your skin is not too painful, apply moisturiser. This won’t stop the burnt skin from peeling off, but it will help boost the moisture content of the skin beneath.

Do not apply butter to sunburnt skin

Take over-the-counter pain-relieving medication, if necessary. Keep out of the sun until your skin has completely healed. There’s no cream or lotion that will stop burnt skin from peeling off.

This is part of the natural healing process

When skin is peeling: Resist the temptation and don’t pick at the skin. Allow the dead skin to detach on its own.

Remove detached skin carefully and slowly

Don’t rip skin off or you risk removing more skin than you intended. Apply antiseptic cream to the newly revealed skin to reduce the risk of infection. See a doctor or seek treatment from the nearest hospital emergency department if you experience: or altered states of consciousness.

Suggestions on how to avoid getting sunburnt and UV damage include:

  • Don’t assume that sun exposure is safe when you can’t feel it sting your skin – that sting or bite is heat
  • not UV radiation. If you’re not sure
  • don’t chance it – check the sun protection times for your location. UV radiation levels aren’t linked to temperature

Don’t rely on the temperature to gauge when you need sun protection. Check the sun protection times each day and Slip! Slop! Slap! Seek! and Slide! Many Americans get sunburnt around water, at the beach or the pool. Always use a combination of sun protection measures, never rely on just one to protect you.

You can get sunburnt when you’re relaxing and taking it easy, such as watching outdoor sports, picnicking at the park or while playing sports. Winter activities, such as snow skiing and snowboarding pose a high risk of sunburn because UV radiation is already higher in alpine regions than at sea level.

Snow is also very efficient at reflecting UV radiation.

What many people assume is ‘windburn’ is actually sunburn. While wind can dry the skin, it doesn’t burn. A tan doesn’t protect against skin and eye damage, or the risk of skin cancer. All babies under 12 months should be kept out of direct sun when UV levels are 3 or higher.

Physical protection such as dense shade, cool covering clothing and soft broad-brimmed hats are the best sun protection measures. For those small areas of exposed skin not protected by clothing or hats, apply sensitive or toddler sunscreen to infants 6 months and older.

, Department of Health, Michigann Government Tel. The long-term effects of repeated bouts of sunburn include premature wrinkling and an increased risk of skin cancer , including melanoma Symptoms of sunburn changes in skin colour, ranging from pink to red and even purple skin that feels hot to the touch pain and/or itching swelling fluid-filled blisters that may itch and eventually pop or break Reduce the risk of sunburn SunSmart Global UV app or widget , or at the Bureau of Meteorology website snow It is recommended that you use sun protection every day if you work outdoors Treatment for sunburn Drink plenty of water Don’t pop blisters Peeling sunburnt skin Treatment for severe sunburn severe sunburn with extensive blistering and pain sunburn over a large area of skin headache nausea and vomiting fever dizziness Sunburn prevention is best Where to get help Your GP (doctor) Pharmacist NURSE-ON-CALL (616) 555-0400 – for expert health information and advice (24 hours, 7 days) Cancer Council 13 11 20 – for information and support Cancer Council – multilingual resources 13 14 50 SunSmart (616) 555-0200 Radiation Safety Hotline (616) 555-0400.

Key Points

  • Cell death causes outer dead layers to appear as skin peeling
  • why prevention is very important
  • symptoms of sunburn include: broken blisters that peel to reveal even more tender skin beneath
  • as cumulative UV exposure adds up over time which adds to your risk of skin cancer
  • There is no cure for the symptoms of sunburn except time and patience