Key takeaways
- Sunburns are your body’s way of showing that your skin has been damaged.
- Several sunburns over time can lead to an increased risk of skin cancer.
- Everyone can get a sunburn, but some people have a higher risk of getting burned.
- There are at-home treatments you can do to help with pain and discomfort from a sunburn.
Sunburns are the body’s way of showing skin damage. When you spend too much time in the sun without protection from shade, sunscreen, clothing, and hats, you may get sunburned. Over time, many sunburns can increase your risk of developing skin cancer.
Even though you can’t reverse a sunburn, there are home treatments you can do to help with pain, swelling, and discomfort. Sun protection is important to reduce skin damage from UV rays and prevent sunburns.
Being outside is healthy! Swimming, skiing, cycling, gardening, and hiking are just a few fun activities you can enjoy in the fresh air. But when you’re spending your time outdoors without enough sun protection, you can end the day with a dreaded sunburn.
Sunburns are actually your skin’s way of showing that it’s been damaged by UV rays, according to MedlinePlus.1 While the sunburn symptoms go away, the damage to your cells is often permanent.1 To help you understand what actually happens when you get a sunburn, we compiled a list of five facts you should know about sunburns.
1. Sunburns increase your risk of skin cancer
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.2 Getting sunburned is one way you can increase your risk of developing skin cancer. In fact, people who experience five or more blistering sunburns between ages 15 and 20 increase their risk of melanoma by 80% and their risk of other skin cancers by 68%.1
There are many easy ways you can prevent skin cancer and sunburns. Here are a few:
- Avoid being outside in the harsh sunlight
- Wear broad spectrum sunscreen anytime you go outside
- Wear UPF clothing
- Perform a self-skin check each month for new spots or changes in existing spots
If you notice anything suspicious on your skin, make an appointment with a dermatologist to get it checked out.
2. Sunburns can range from mild to severe
The two most common types of sunburns are either first-degree and second-degree in severity. Some sunburns are just a brush of pink and then fade quickly. Others blister, peel, and can cause lots of pain.
Most sunburns will be a first-degree burn, but sometimes, far too much sun exposure can result in a second-degree burn.3 Here’s the difference between the two:
- First-degree: This type of sunburn only penetrates the outer layer of skin. Symptoms are usually redness, swelling, and pain.2 They will likely heal on their own after a few days.
- Second-degree: This type of sun damage can affect your inner layers of skin and often results in blistering, peeling, swelling, and severe pain.2
Third-degree sunburns can happen, but very rarely.
3. Some people are more likely to get a sunburn
It seems like some people can stay out all day in the sun and have no problems, but others can get lobster-red after only a few minutes outside on a hot day. Some people are more likely to burn than others for many different reasons.
People with these these factors may increase the likelihood of getting a sunburn:1
- Infants and children
- People with fair skin (though people of all skin types can still burn)
- Those who live in higher altitudes or closer to the equator
- Those near water, sand, and snow
- Those taking certain medications, such as certain antibiotics
- Those with certain medical conditions, such as lupus
If you know you’re more likely to burn, take sun protection seriously when you’re outside.
4. You can still get sunburned on a cloudy day
Even when it’s cool or cold outside, the clouds are blocking the sun, or it’s downright gloomy, you can still get sunburned. According to the CDC, UV rays can still reach you through the clouds, so even if it’s an overcast day, don’t forget your sun protection.4
Additionally, the sun can reflect off of sand, water, snow, and cement. So if you’re skiing, shoveling snow, or sitting in the shade near the pool, you can still get sunburned.
5. There are things you can do to ease sunburn pain
Even though sunburns can be painful and uncomfortable, there are some things you can do at home to make your symptoms more manageable.1
- Take a cool shower or bath. Another option is to put clean, wet, cool washcloths on your burn
- Apply a moisturizing cream. If you’re not experiencing any blistering, you can put a moisturizer on to help with the dryness. Be sure you don’t put any product on that contains petroleum jelly or is oil-based. These moisturizers can trap heat and sweat which can cause an infection.
- Take pain relievers. Medicines such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can reduce pain from a sunburn.
- Wear loose cotton clothing. Loose clothing can give your sunburn room to breathe without constant irritation.
- Drink lots of water. It’s important to rehydrate when you get a sunburn, so drink up!
If you also feel faint, dizzy, clammy, nauseated or have a rapid pulse and extreme thirst, contact a medical provider right away.1
Live your healthiest life possible
Whether you’re outside on the lake, skiing in the mountains, or playing in the backyard, preventing sunburns will make your activities more enjoyable. Apply sunscreen often, stay in the shade, and wear a hat and sunglasses to keep yourself safe from harmful UV rays.
If you end up having a little too much fun in the sun and need to see a medical provider, you can visit our website to find care near you.
Do you need a new insurance plan? We have lots of options. From employer plans to individual plans, we’re here to help you access care when you need it. Visit our plans page to learn more.
FAQs about sunburns
It depends on the severity of the sunburn, but typically they last anywhere between 3-7 days. Blisters may take 7-10 to heal, according to an article in the National Library of Medicine.5
It can be. Hyaluronic acid is an important part of skin moisture. Applying a topical gel or cream containing hyaluronic acid may be beneficial for sunburns. It’s commonly used to treat more serious burns, according to an article in Dermatologic Therapy.6
This article is intended for informational purposes only and is not legal or medical advice. Links to other sites are provided as a convenience, but Select Health does not endorse the third-party sites, information, or services.
The content included here is for your information and not a substitute for professional medical advice. It should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Additionally, this information does not guarantee benefits. To review your benefits, please reference your plan materials or call Member Services at 800-538-5038 weekdays, from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Saturday, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., closed Sunday. TTY users call 711.
Sources
1. Sunburn, MedlinePlus, 2025
2. Skin Cancer, American Academy of Dermatology, 2026
3. Relationship between ultraviolet index (UVI) and first-, second- and third-degree sunburn using the Probit methodology, National Library of Medicine, 2019
4. Sun Safety Facts, Centers for Disease Control, 2026
5. Sunburn, National Library of Medicine, 2023
6. Benefits of topical hyaluronic acid for skin quality and signs of skin aging: From literature review to clinical evidence, Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
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