If you think it's an emergency, call 911.Thinking about suicide? Call or text 988.
Overview
Sunburn appears a few hours after sun exposure and peaks within a day.
Repeated sunburns raise skin cancer risk.
When to get medical care
Call 911Confusion, fainting, or heat stroke symptoms.
Get care todayLarge blisters, fever, chills, or dehydration.
See a doctor soonSunburn not improving.
Causes
Caused by UV rays from the sun or tanning beds.
OwieClear has pages on 3 conditions that can cause sunburn. Each shows how soon to get care.
Common causes
- SunburnOften treated at home
Skin damage from too much sun.
- Severe sunburn (sun poisoning)Often needs care today
A bad sunburn with blistering, fever, chills, nausea, or headache.
Less likely causes
- MelanomaSee a doctor if it doesn't get better
The most serious type of skin cancer, starting in the cells that make skin color.
What you can do at home
- Take cool baths.
- Use aloe or moisturizer.
- Drink water.
- Don't pop blisters.
Medicines
Ibuprofen helps pain.
At the doctor
Diagnosed by exam.
Questions you may be asked
- Sun exposure
The exam
A skin exam.
Tests
- None
Prevention
Protect your skin.
- Sunscreen SPF 30+
- Shade
- Hats
Check your symptoms
Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-13.