Sunburn: Overview
A sunburn is skin damage from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. Most sunburns cause mild pain and redness but affect only the outer layer of skin. These are usually treated at home. Sunburns that have painful, red blisters may mean that deep skin layers are damaged. These hurt more and take longer to heal.
What are the symptoms of sunburn?
Sunburns usually cause red, painful skin. The skin may or may not have blisters. If blisters are present, the pain is often worse. You or your child may get a mild fever, headache, or dehydration (the body loses too much fluid).
How is sunburn treated?
Most mild sunburns can be treated at home. But severe sunburns–those causing large, deep blisters, severe pain, a fever, or vomiting–should be seen by a doctor. The doctor may put bandages on the skin. Or the doctor may recommend medicine or a topical treatment. Treatment for dehydration may also be needed.
How is sunburn diagnosed?
Sunburns usually cause red, painful skin. The skin may or may not have blisters. If blisters are present, the pain is often worse. The doctor may ask about sun exposure, use of indoor tanning, or your symptoms.
Here's Help: Mild Sunburn in Children
What skin type increases your risk for sunburn?
Type | Description | Sensitivity |
|---|---|---|
| I | White or freckled skin | Extremely sensitive: You sunburn very easily and are not likely to tan. |
| II | White skin | Very sensitive: You usually sunburn easily and tan a little. |
| III | White to olive skin | Sensitive: You sunburn sometimes and tan slowly. |
| IV | Light brown skin | Moderately sensitive: You sunburn a little and usually tan well. |
| V | Brown skin | Minimally sensitive: You rarely sunburn, and you tan well. |
| VI | Dark brown to black skin | Not sensitive: You almost never sunburn, and you tan deeply. |
What is sunburn?
A sunburn is skin damage from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. Most sunburns cause mild pain and redness but affect only the outer layer of skin. These are usually treated at home. Sunburns that have painful, red blisters may mean that deep skin layers are damaged. These hurt more and take longer to heal.
Sunburn in children: When to call
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- Your child has signs of needing more fluids. These signs include sunken eyes with few tears, a dry mouth with little or no spit, and little or no urine for 6 hours.
- Your child has signs of infection, such as:
- Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
- Red streaks leading from the area.
- Pus draining from the area.
- A fever.
Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- Your child does not get better as expected.
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