What is sunburn?

Sunburn is literally a burn to the skin from the sun; however, it occurs more slowly than other types of burns. Light-skinned people have the highest risk of getting sunburned, but many people do not realise that skin of any colour can be damaged by ultraviolet radiation from the sun.

Does sunburn need treatment? 

If the skin has reddened and also feels hot to touch, the sunburn can be treated at home and should heal in a few days (see further below for self-care treatments).

However, sunburned skin that has blistered or is swollen with considerable localised pain is considered to be a first-degree burn, and will possibly need medical treatment. Care needs to be taken in this case if the sunburn is accompanied by fever, nausea and dehydration, as this will need medical treatment.

Is sunburn harmful?

Sunburn should be avoided where possible as it is damaging to the skin, causing premature ageing. Severe sunburn when young increases the risk of developing certain types of skin cancers in later years.

What causes the skin to burn?

Sunburn is caused by the ultraviolet component of the sun’s radiation, particularly the UVB (ultraviolet B) component. The Cancer Society advises that UV radiation levels are at their peak in New Zealand from the start of September to the end of March, especially between 11am and 4pm. However, UV radiation levels can also be high when you are at high altitudes or around snow.

Sunbeds and solarium

The sun is not the only source of sunburn: some people can get severe sunburn from solariums. In fact, solariums may emit much higher concentrations of ultraviolet radiation than the sun, and UV exposure from solariums can cause premature ageing of your skin, as well as skin cancer and eye damage.

Medications

A wide range of medications, such as tetracycline antibiotics and thiazide diuretics, can enhance the burning effect of the sun in susceptible people.

What are the symptoms of sunburn?

Symptoms of sunburn include:

• Skin discoloration ranging from slightly pink to severely red or even purplish.
• Sunburn can appear from one to 6 hours after sun exposure and reaches its peak in 24 hours. It should then start to fade or tan.
• The skin feels hot to touch and is tender.
• The appearance of small blisters that are filled with fluid. These may itch and eventually break. This can then cause peeling of the skin exposing an even more tender layer underneath.
• Severe sunburn may cause very red, blistered skin but will be accompanied by fever, chills, nausea (in some cases vomiting) and dehydration.
• The eyes may experience pain or irritation caused by overexposure to the ultraviolet rays of the sun or solariums (always wear eye protection if using solariums).

Treatment of sunburn

Not many cases of sunburn require medical attention and there are a number of things that you can do to help treat sunburn.

• Most importantly, avoid repeated exposure to the sun or solarium.
• Apply cold compresses or immerse the affected area in cool water.
• Calamine lotion may be applied to itchy areas.
• Apply a moisturising cream or lotion to the affected areas; however, you should avoid salves or butter.
• Drink plenty of water, but avoid alcohol, which can dehydrate the skin even further.
• If blistering occurs, lightly bandage or cover with gauze to prevent infection. Do not break the blisters as this will slow the healing process and increase the risk of infection. When the blisters break and the skin peels you can remove dried fragments and apply an antiseptic ointment or hydrocortisone cream to the skin beneath.
• In cases of severe pain or discomfort, aspirin (but not in children under 12 years), or paracetamol may be useful for pain relief. Check with your pharmacist or doctor if unsure, or if pain relief is needed for a child, and always follow dose instructions on the medicine.

When to see your doctor

See your doctor if:

• the sunburn is widespread and severe;
• the sunburn affects an infant under the age of 18 months;
• the sunburn blisters are accompanied by chills, fever, nausea or vomiting. Medical attention is needed to prevent dehydration and infection;
• your eyes are extremely painful or feel gritty. You will need to have your eyes checked by an ophthalmologist (an eye doctor) to determine any damage to the eyes. Corneas are particularly susceptible.

Related topics

Also see Melanoma and Sunscreens, Sun - clothing and hats and Sun protection for babies and toddlers

Original material supplied by MyDr, 2007. Edited by everybody, August 2010.