Sunburn: Causes, treatment, and prevention

Medically reviewed by Dr. Betsy Koickel, MD on July 15, 2026.

Most people have experienced a sunburn at one point or another, either from spending too much time outdoors or not applying enough sunscreen. Even though it’s common, sunburn is often underestimated in terms of the long-term impact on your skin health. 

Understanding the causes, treatment options, and prevention strategies can help protect your skin and reduce the risk of long-term damage.

What is sunburn?

A sunburn is a skin condition caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. It can lead to redness, pain, and, if severe enough, may cause blistering and skin damage. 

Causes of sunburn

While time in the sun is the main cause of sunburn, several conditions can increase your risk. These include:

• Lack of or not enough sunscreen or improper use 
• Medications that increase sun sensitivity, like certain antibiotics
• Overexposure or spending too much time in the sun without protection
• Reflection, water, sand, and snow can reflect UV light
• Skin type. Typically, fair skin burns more easily, but all skin types can be affected
• Time of day, UV rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

How to prevent sunburn

Sunburn prevention starts with limiting sun exposure and protecting your skin when you’re outdoors. A few simple tips to prevent sunburn include:

• Avoid peak sun hours: Limit exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Apply sunscreen: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
• Reapply sunscreen: After swimming, sweating, or 2 hours in the sun, reapply sunscreen.
• Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids supports overall skin health.
• Seek shade: Stay in shaded areas whenever possible when spending time outdoors.
• Wear protective clothing: Choose lightweight, long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses to protect your skin.

How to treat sunburn

Sunburn treatment focuses on relieving discomfort and helping the skin heal. For immediate relief, hydrate and rest to support recovery. 

While the skin is inflamed, avoid tight or hot clothing that can further irritate the skin. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help reduce inflammation and can be used as needed as a remedy for sunburn. Applying soothing lotions, cool compresses or aloe vera can help cool the skin and provide moisture.

The easiest way to treat sunburn is to let the skin heal by keeping it cool and protected to help prevent further damage. 

When to seek medical attention for sunburn

Most cases can be managed at home with basic sunburn treatment, but you should seek medical care if the burn is severe, covers a large area, or includes blistering. 

Other warning signs include fever, chills, dizziness, nausea, or signs of dehydration. It’s also important to get evaluated if the skin shows signs of infection, such as increasing redness, swelling, warmth, or pus. Prompt care can help prevent complications and support healing. 

If you have a bad sunburn or need help with your skin health, urgent care is available. To get started, find a center near you and walk in or save your spot online. 

Long-term skin care after sunburn

After a sunburn heals, ongoing skin care is important to support recovery and reduce long-term damage. Keep the skin well-moisturized and avoid further sun exposure as much as possible. 

Every time you are outdoors, be sure to use broad-spectrum sunscreen daily as part of your routine. Practicing good hydration habits and following sunburn prevention strategies can help protect your skin over time. Repeated sunburns increase the risk of premature aging and skin cancer, making long-term care essential. 

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about how to prevent sunburn and sunburn treatment.

How long does it take for sunburns to heal?

Most mild sunburns heal within 3 to 7 days, while more severe burns can take up to two weeks or longer, especially if blistering occurs. 

Can sunburn cause skin cancer?

Yes, repeated sunburns, especially in childhood, increase the risk of skin cancer over time by damaging skin cells.

What’s the best sunscreen for sunburn prevention?

Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher that protects against both UVA and UVB rays, and reapply every two hours when outdoors. 

Should I pop sunburn blisters?

No, you should not pop sunburn blisters. They help protect the skin while it heals and reduce the risk of infection. 

Can you get sunburn in the winter?

Yes. You can get sunburn even in cooler weather. Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun are present year-round and can damage your skin even on cloudy or cold days. If you’re spending time outdoors, especially for extended periods you should wear sunscreen year-round

Can I use aloe vera for sunburn relief?

Yes, aloe vera can help soothe and hydrate the skin and support healing.