What happens when you get a sunburn
July 02, 2024
Medically Reviewed | Last reviewed by an MD Anderson Cancer Center medical professional on July 02, 2024
Sunburn causes skin sensations that many of us are all too familiar with: stinging, burning, blistering, peeling, and, of course, that hallmark redness.
But why does sunburn happen? And are there any health risks that last after a sunburn has faded?
Dermatologist Saira George, M.D., answers these questions and shares how to prevent and treat a sunburn.
How your skin changes during a sunburn
Often, burns are associated with heat sources like flames or stoves. But did you know that it’s not actually the sun’s heat that causes sunburn?
Instead, George explains that ultraviolet radiation is responsible for sunburn.
“Sunburns are from ultraviolet radiation – or UV rays – causing damage to the skin,” she says.
When ultraviolet radiation from the sun reaches the skin, it damages the skin cells and causes mutations in their DNA.
“Our bodies have a lot of amazing mechanisms to prevent and even correct these mutations,” George says. “But if the skin cells get more UV exposure than they can handle, the damage may be beyond repair, and the cells die off. Blood vessels dilate to increase blood flow and bring immune cells to the skin to help clean up the mess. All this causes the redness, swelling and inflammation we associate with a sunburn.”
The sunburn will eventually heal, but some of the surviving cells will have mutations that escape repair. These cells could eventually become cancerous.
Cancers caused by sun damage
UV damage plays a central role in the development of the three most common skin cancers, George says.
These include:
She also notes that UV damage is linked to less common skin cancers, including:
- Merkel cell carcinoma
- Angiosarcoma
- Atypical fibroxanthoma
Tell your doctor about sun-related skin changes
After you get a sunburn, make note of any changes to your skin. Your doctor or dermatologist can examine these changes and recommend skin cancer screening, if needed.
“Anything that deviates from your normal skin that happens when you are in the sun or develops in an area that has received a lot of sun may be worth mentioning,” George says.
Tell your doctor about sun-related skin conditions such as:
- Rashes that develop in the sun
- Unusual growths in areas that have been sunburned or get a lot of sun
- New or growing spots that heal slowly, bleed or don’t look or behave like other spots on the skin
How to treat a sunburn
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, sunburns happen.
While it isn’t possible to reverse sun damage, there are ways you can protect and soothe your skin while it heals, George says.
Protect your skin
First, use sun protection to prevent additional sun damage to your skin as it heals.
Additionally, avoid exposing your sunburn to heat, harsh chemicals or friction.
Soothe your skin
Sunburn can be painful. To ease discomfort, George suggests applying cool compresses, calamine lotion or aloe-vera gel to the sunburned area.
If your skin is peeling or blistered, George recommends coating it with ointments like Vaseline, which she says can act like an “ointment bandage.”
Still not feeling relief? Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain medications like ibuprofen can reduce pain and inflammation.
What to know about reversing sun damage
Sun damage can also cause cosmetic changes such as sunspots, wrinkles and redness, George says.
Some beauty products claim they can reverse sun damage or even stimulate cell repair. But no research has shown that any topical skin care product or lotion can reverse sun damage.
“There’s no simple way to undo sun damage yet. But there are lots of simple ways to prevent it by being sun-safe and avoiding sunburns,” George says.
However, while skin damage can’t be undone on a cellular level, there are procedures that can make it less noticeable.
“A lot of cosmetic concerns can also be addressed with your cosmetic provider if they are bothersome to you,” she notes.
How to prevent sunburn going forward
One of the best ways you can protect your skin? By preventing sunburns in the future!
Follow these sun safety tips to protect your skin from the sun and lower your cancer risk.
- Choose a sunscreen that has an SPF of 30 or higher, is water-resistant and offers broad-spectrum protection.
- Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going in the sun.
- Reapply sunscreen every two hours, and after swimming or sweating.
- Seek shade when possible, especially when the sun’s UV rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Cover up with wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses with protection from UVA and UVB rays and UV-protective clothing.
“Preventing a sunburn is always better than treating one,” George says.
Request an appointment at MD Anderson online or call 1-877-632-6789.
There’s no simple way to undo sun damage yet. But there are lots of simple ways to prevent it by being sun-safe and avoiding sunburns.
Saira George, M.D.
Physician