7 Common Sunburn Symptoms You Should Know About

Sunburn is a form of radiation burn that affects the skin after excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. It’s one of the most common skin conditions, affecting millions of people worldwide each year. While often considered a minor inconvenience, sunburn can cause significant discomfort and, more importantly, increase the risk of long-term skin damage and skin cancer.

Understanding the symptoms of sunburn is crucial for early recognition and proper care. The severity of sunburn can range from mild redness to severe blistering, depending on factors such as skin type, duration of exposure, and UV intensity. Most sunburn symptoms appear within a few hours of sun exposure and can worsen over the following 24 to 36 hours.

In this article, we’ll explore the most common symptoms of sunburn, helping you recognize when your skin has been damaged by the sun and when you might need to seek medical attention.

1. Redness and Skin Discoloration

The most visible and immediate symptom of sunburn is redness, medically known as erythema. This occurs when UV radiation damages the small blood vessels beneath the skin’s surface, causing them to dilate and become more visible.

Key characteristics of sunburn-related redness include:

• Pink to deep red coloration: The affected skin typically turns pink initially and can progress to a deep red or crimson color as the burn worsens
• Clear demarcation lines: You may notice distinct boundaries between burned and unburned skin, often corresponding to clothing lines or areas that were covered
• Delayed appearance: Redness usually begins 2-6 hours after sun exposure and peaks at 12-24 hours
• Blanching test: When you press on sunburned skin, it may turn white temporarily before returning to red

The intensity of redness generally correlates with the severity of the burn. Mild sunburn produces light pink coloration, while severe sunburn can result in angry, bright red skin that’s extremely tender to touch.

2. Pain and Tenderness

Pain is one of the most uncomfortable aspects of sunburn and can significantly impact daily activities and sleep quality. The pain results from inflammation and nerve irritation caused by UV damage to skin cells.

Sunburn pain typically manifests as:

• Burning sensation: A hot, burning feeling on the skin surface that intensifies with touch or temperature changes
• Throbbing discomfort: Many people experience a pulsating or throbbing pain, especially in severely burned areas
• Increased sensitivity: Even light touch, clothing, or water contact can cause significant discomfort
• Progressive intensity: Pain typically worsens during the first 6-48 hours after exposure before gradually improving

The pain from sunburn can range from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating pain that requires pain management. Areas with thinner skin, such as the shoulders, chest, and tops of feet, often experience more intense pain.

3. Warmth and Heat Sensation

Sunburned skin often feels warm or hot to the touch, both to yourself and to others. This symptom results from increased blood flow to the affected area as your body attempts to repair the damage.

Characteristics of this symptom include:

• Radiant heat: The affected skin radiates heat that can be felt without direct contact
• Temperature difference: Sunburned areas feel noticeably warmer compared to unaffected skin
• Persistent warmth: The heat sensation can last for several days, even as other symptoms improve
• Night-time discomfort: The warmth often becomes more noticeable at night and can interfere with sleep

This increased temperature is part of the inflammatory response and indicates that your body is actively working to heal the damaged tissue. The warmth usually subsides as the inflammation decreases over several days.

4. Swelling and Inflammation

Swelling, or edema, is a common symptom of moderate to severe sunburn. It occurs when fluid accumulates in the damaged tissue as part of the body’s inflammatory response to UV injury.

Sunburn-related swelling typically presents as:

• Puffiness: Affected areas may appear puffy or swollen, particularly on the face, hands, and feet
• Tight feeling: The skin may feel tight and stretched, making movement uncomfortable
• Increased volume: Swollen areas may look visibly larger than normal
• Facial swelling: When the face is sunburned, swelling around the eyes, lips, and cheeks is common

Swelling usually develops within 24 hours of sun exposure and can persist for several days. In severe cases, particularly with facial sunburn, the swelling can be dramatic enough to temporarily affect vision or facial features.

5. Blistering

Blisters are a sign of second-degree sunburn and indicate more severe skin damage. These fluid-filled pockets form when UV radiation damages deeper layers of the skin, causing plasma to leak from damaged cells and blood vessels.

Important aspects of sunburn blisters include:

• Fluid-filled bubbles: Small to large bubbles containing clear or slightly yellowish fluid form on the burned skin
• Delayed appearance: Blisters typically develop 6-24 hours after sun exposure
• Varying sizes: Blisters can range from tiny pinpoint bubbles to large, coin-sized formations
• Increased infection risk: Broken blisters create open wounds that are vulnerable to bacterial infection
• Scarring potential: Severe blistering can potentially lead to permanent scarring

It’s important not to pop or peel sunburn blisters intentionally, as the intact blister provides natural protection for the healing skin underneath. If blisters are extensive or become infected, medical attention should be sought.

6. Skin Peeling and Flaking

Peeling is a natural part of the healing process after sunburn, typically occurring 3-8 days after the initial burn. This happens when your body sheds damaged skin cells to make way for new, healthy skin underneath.

Characteristics of sunburn peeling include:

• Timing: Peeling usually begins as the redness and pain start to subside
• Sheet-like shedding: Dead skin may come off in large sheets or small flakes, depending on burn severity
• Itching sensation: The peeling process is often accompanied by intense itching
• Patches of lighter skin: Newly exposed skin underneath may appear lighter or paler than surrounding areas
• Duration: Peeling can continue for several days to over a week in severe cases

While it’s tempting to pull off peeling skin, this should be avoided as it can damage healthy skin underneath and increase the risk of infection. The peeling process should be allowed to occur naturally.

7. Systemic Symptoms

When sunburn is severe or covers a large body area, it can trigger systemic symptoms that affect your entire body. These symptoms indicate that your body is responding to significant skin damage and inflammation.

Common systemic symptoms associated with severe sunburn include:

• Fever and chills: Body temperature may elevate to 100.4°F (38°C) or higher as part of the inflammatory response
• Headache: Often accompanies sun exposure and dehydration
• Fatigue and weakness: Feeling unusually tired or exhausted is common with moderate to severe sunburn
• Nausea and vomiting: Can occur with severe sunburn or heat-related illness
• Dizziness or fainting: May indicate dehydration or heat exhaustion accompanying the sunburn
• Dehydration: Symptoms include dry mouth, decreased urination, and increased thirst

Systemic symptoms are more concerning than localized skin symptoms and may indicate sun poisoning or heat-related illness. If you experience fever above 102°F (39°C), severe pain, confusion, or signs of infection, you should seek medical attention promptly.

What Causes Sunburn?

Understanding the causes of sunburn can help you better prevent this painful condition. Sunburn occurs when skin is exposed to more ultraviolet (UV) radiation than the protective pigment melanin can handle.

The primary causes and contributing factors include:

• UVB radiation: These shorter wavelength UV rays are the primary cause of sunburn, directly damaging DNA in skin cells
• UVA radiation: While UVA rays penetrate deeper and primarily cause aging, they also contribute to burning and increase skin cancer risk
• Prolonged sun exposure: Extended time outdoors without protection, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM when UV rays are strongest
• High altitude: UV exposure increases approximately 10% for every 1,000 feet of elevation gain
• Reflective surfaces: Water, sand, snow, and concrete can reflect 25-80% of UV rays, increasing exposure intensity
• Geographic location: Areas closer to the equator receive more direct UV radiation year-round
• Seasonal factors: UV rays are more intense during summer months
• Ozone depletion: Thinner ozone layers allow more UV radiation to reach Earth’s surface
• Skin type: Fair-skinned individuals with less melanin burn more easily and severely
• Medications: Certain antibiotics, diuretics, and other medications can increase photosensitivity
• Tanning beds: Artificial UV sources can cause sunburn similar to natural sunlight
• Lack of protection: Not using sunscreen, protective clothing, or seeking shade increases burn risk

Prevention Tips

Preventing sunburn is far easier and more effective than treating it. By taking proactive measures to protect your skin from UV radiation, you can enjoy outdoor activities while minimizing your risk of both immediate sunburn and long-term skin damage.

Effective sunburn prevention strategies include:

• Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen: Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Apply generously 15-30 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating
• Seek shade: Stay in the shade, especially during peak UV hours between 10 AM and 4 PM when the sun’s rays are strongest
• Wear protective clothing: Choose tightly woven, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and wide-brimmed hats that shade your face, ears, and neck
• Use UV-blocking sunglasses: Protect your eyes and the delicate skin around them with sunglasses that block 99-100% of UV rays
• Be extra cautious near reflective surfaces: Water, snow, sand, and concrete amplify UV exposure by reflecting rays onto your skin
• Check the UV Index: Monitor daily UV Index forecasts and plan outdoor activities when levels are lower
• Avoid tanning beds: Artificial UV sources are not safer than natural sunlight and significantly increase skin damage and cancer risk
• Protect children carefully: Children’s skin is more sensitive and vulnerable to UV damage. Keep babies under 6 months out of direct sunlight entirely
• Don’t rely on clouds: Up to 80% of UV rays can penetrate clouds, so protection is necessary even on overcast days
• Be aware of medications: Ask your doctor or pharmacist if any medications you’re taking increase sun sensitivity
• Reapply sunscreen adequately: Most people don’t apply enough sunscreen. Use about one ounce (a shot glass full) to cover the entire body
• Consider UV-protective clothing: Special fabrics with UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) ratings provide excellent sun protection

Remember that tanning is actually a sign of skin damage, not health. There is no such thing as a “safe tan” when it comes to UV exposure.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does sunburn last?

Most mild to moderate sunburns heal within 3-7 days. Redness and pain typically peak at 12-24 hours after exposure, then gradually improve. Peeling usually begins around day 3-4 and can continue for a week or more. Severe sunburns with blistering may take 2-3 weeks to heal completely.

When should I see a doctor for sunburn?

Seek medical attention if you experience severe blistering covering a large area, fever above 102°F (39°C), severe pain, signs of infection (increasing pain, swelling, pus, or red streaks), confusion, dehydration, or sunburn covering more than 20% of your body. Children and elderly individuals with severe sunburn should also receive medical evaluation.

Can you get sunburn on a cloudy day?

Yes, absolutely. Up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays can penetrate through clouds, meaning you can definitely get sunburned on overcast days. Many people are caught off guard by cloudy-day sunburns because they don’t feel as hot and may skip sun protection.

Why does sunburn hurt more at night?

Sunburn pain often feels worse at night for several reasons: inflammation peaks 24-48 hours after exposure (often during nighttime), there are fewer distractions from the discomfort, lying down can increase blood flow to affected areas, and contact with bedding irritates sensitive skin. Additionally, your body’s natural pain-relieving mechanisms are less active during sleep.

Does sunburn turn into a tan?

While some sunburned skin may develop darker pigmentation after healing, this doesn’t make sunburn a good way to tan. Both sunburn and tanning are signs of DNA damage to skin cells. The darkening that occurs after sunburn is your skin’s attempt to protect itself from further damage, but the initial burn has already caused harm that increases skin cancer risk and accelerates aging.

Can you get sunburned through a window?

Yes, but less severely. Standard glass windows block most UVB rays (which cause burning) but allow about 50-75% of UVA rays (which cause aging and contribute to skin cancer) to pass through. Car windshields are typically treated to block both UVA and UVB, but side and rear windows may not be. Extended sun exposure through windows can still cause skin damage over time.

How can I tell if my sunburn is infected?

Signs of sunburn infection include increasing pain several days after the initial burn, warmth spreading beyond the original sunburn area, red streaks extending from the burned area, swelling that worsens rather than improves, pus or cloudy fluid draining from blisters, fever, chills, and general feeling of illness. Any of these symptoms warrant medical evaluation.

Is it normal to feel cold with sunburn?

Yes, experiencing chills alongside sunburn is relatively common, especially with moderate to severe burns. This occurs because your body is mounting an inflammatory response similar to fighting an infection. The chills may accompany a low-grade fever and represent your body’s systemic response to skin damage. However, if chills are severe or accompanied by high fever, seek medical attention.

References:

• Mayo Clinic – Sunburn: Symptoms and Causes
• American Academy of Dermatology – Sunburn
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Sun Safety
• The Skin Cancer Foundation – Sunburn and Your Skin
• NHS – Sunburn