Sunburn is a radiation burn caused by ultraviolet light from the sun, and it can be as serious as any other burn. In hot, sunny climates, outdoor workers, travellers, children and people with fair skin are at particular risk. Mild sunburn causes redness and tenderness, but a large area of blistering can mean a serious burn that needs medical care. Quick first aid reduces pain and helps skin heal, and prevention is the best protection.
Signs of Sunburn
- Red, hot, tender skin that appears several hours after exposure
- Swelling and pain, which usually peak at 12 to 24 hours
- Blisters in more severe burns
- Headache, fever, chills, nausea or dizziness in widespread sunburn, which may include heat illness
- Peeling skin a few days later
Sunburn First Aid: 7 Steps
- Get out of the sun into shade or indoors immediately.
- Cool the skin. Hold the burned area under cool running water, or apply cool, damp cloths, for 10 to 20 minutes. Avoid ice, which can damage skin.
- Give fluids. Offer frequent small drinks of water or an oral rehydration drink, because sunburn draws fluid to the skin and can contribute to dehydration.
- Soothe the skin. Gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser or aloe vera gel can help once the skin is cool. Do not use petroleum jelly, oils, toothpaste or butter on a fresh burn.
- Protect blisters. Do not break them. Cover large blisters with a non-stick dressing.
- Manage pain. If you use pain relief, follow the label or ask a pharmacist.
- Keep out of the sun until the skin has healed, and cover it with loose clothing.
When Sunburn Needs Medical Care
See a doctor or call for help if blisters cover a large area (roughly 10 per cent of the body, such as most of the back), if the person is a baby or young child, or if there is fever, severe pain, confusion, faintness, vomiting or signs of dehydration. Treat widespread sunburn like any serious burn and use our burn assessment guide to estimate the area. If symptoms suggest heat illness, see heat-related illnesses.
Sunburn Prevention for Outdoor Workers and Families
- Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher to exposed skin and reapply every two hours and after sweating.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat, long sleeves, UV-blocking sunglasses and neck protection.
- Schedule outdoor work away from the midday peak where possible, and provide shade and drinking water.
- Keep babies out of direct sun.
- Remember reflected UV from water, sand, snow and concrete.
Repeated sunburn raises the risk of skin cancer, so it should be treated as a workplace hazard, not a minor nuisance.
Eye Damage From UV Light
Intense sunlight can also burn the surface of the eye, causing pain, tearing and sensitivity to light a few hours later. See our guide to eye burn first aid for welder’s flash and snow blindness, which follow the same pattern.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does sunburn last?
Redness peaks within a day and usually fades in three to five days, followed by peeling.
Should I put ice on sunburn?
No. Use cool water or cool damp cloths instead. Ice can damage already irritated skin.
References and Further Reading
Last updated: November 2026
Prepared by: EHS Guidelines Editorial Team
This article is general educational information and is not a substitute for accredited first aid training or professional medical care. In an emergency, call your local emergency number immediately. Emergency numbers, medicines and protocols differ between countries, so follow local guidance.
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