From a light pink rash to painful red blisters, sunburns range in severity and can be quite uncomfortable. While they may not seem like a big deal, sunburns can lead to serious health problems, especially as you get older.
Ahuva Cices, MD
In this Q&A, Ahuva Cices, MD, a Mount Sinai dermatologist and Assistant Professor, Dermatology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, explains how to treat sunburns and the best ways to avoid them. Dr. Cices has served as an investigator in numerous clinical trials involving a wide range of skin conditions, is well published in peer-reviewed medical journals and textbooks, and has presented her research at national medical and aesthetic dermatology conferences.
Why should I avoid sunburns?
Besides being painful, sunburns increase the risk of skin cancer over time and accelerate skin aging. Data shows that five or more sunburns cumulatively, or even just one blistering sunburn in childhood, increases the risk of melanoma later in life. In the short term, they can cause skin pain, headaches, fatigue, and dehydration.
Who is most at risk?
Sunburns can happen to everyone, but those with lighter skin are more susceptible. People with darker skin might not see the sunburn, but they will feel it. How long it takes to develop a sunburn depends on your skin tone and how much direct sunlight you are exposed to.
What is the best way to treat or sooth a sunburn?
If you start noticing a sunburn, seek shade and avoid further sun exposure. Apply a cold compress to cool the sunburn. The next step is to moisturize the skin while it’s still damp. Use a bland moisturizer that is not scented, as this may make the pain worse. Some people like to use calamine lotion.
If you are in a lot of pain, I recommend taking an NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug), such as ibuprofen (Advil®), unless you have a medical condition that an NSAID would make worse, and follow the instructions. Some patients use a topical steroid, which may reduce some inflammation. Aloe vera lotions are a popular option that many people find soothing. Avoid tight or very warm clothes.
- Avoid going outside during peak hours (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) in the summer
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat and SPF 30 or higher sunscreen
- Use one ounce (about one shot glass) of sunscreen and reapply every two hours or after being in water
- Treat sunburns with bland, unscented moisturizers, such as calamine or aloe vera lotion
- Do not pick or peel blistering skin
- For severe sunburns, take an NSAID, such a Advil
- Stay hydrated. If you are dehydrated and drinking water does not help, go to your local emergency room
How long does it take sunburns to heal?
It varies. The redness from a sunburn typically starts three to six hours after sun exposure. You might not notice it immediately. The redness typically peaks at about 12 to 24 hours and usually goes away after about 72 hours.
The pain can last about six to 48 hours, and usually starts to go away after day two. If your sunburn is blistering, the outermost layer of the skin will peel. Do not pick or pull off the skin, as it is protective and allows for more rapid healing. Peeling can last for up to a week and severe sunburns may take longer to heal.
When is it time to seek medical treatment?
Sunburns can cause many symptoms. For example, if you spend a long day at the beach, you may feel tired or start to get a headache. If your sunburn is severe, you may even experience dehydration, fever, nausea, or vomiting.
Sunburns cause increased fluid loss through the skin, which can result in dehydration. Severe dehydration may require a trip to an emergency room or urgent care center, for treatment with intravenous fluids and to manage associated symptoms. If you have a painful sunburn without systemic symptoms, make an appointment with a dermatologist.
Data shows that five or more sunburns cumulatively, or even just one blistering sunburn in childhood, increases the risk of melanoma later in life.
How can I prevent sunburns?
Avoid going outside during peak sunlight between 10 am and 3 pm in the summer, when ultraviolet radiation is strongest. Seek shade when you are outdoors and wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen. I recommend an SPF 30 or higher for daily use and SPF 50 or higher for outdoor extended activities, especially at the beach, because there’s more reflection of the ultraviolet radiation off of the sand and water. Sun protection factor (SPF) is the measure of protection against ultraviolet rays and how much time it would take for the skin to turn pink. An SPF 30 will block 97 percent of the UV rays and SPF 50 blocks 99 percent. SPF 15 only blocks 93 percent and is not adequate protection.
How often should I reapply sunscreen?
Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours. Regardless of what the packaging claims, sunscreens are not waterproof, so reapply them immediately after drying off with a towel after swimming.
What is the best way to apply sunscreen?
Any type of sunscreen application—be it lotion, spray, or sunscreen stick—is fine, but make sure you’re using an adequate amount. If it’s a spray, spray over the area a few times and rub it in over the entire area. If it’s a stick, apply over the same area for several passes. On average, one ounce, or a full shot glass, of sunscreen is recommended, but people who are above average in size will need more.