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How to Treat and Prevent Sunburns

By Kimberly Juarez
Posted: 06/01/2026

Now that sunny days are here, many of us will probably want to spend more time outside. However, one thing we may not think of in the moment is how the sun can affect us. That's right, folks, I’m talking about those awful sunburns. Stay tuned for some helpful tips on how to prevent and treat sunburns.

First things first, there's a common misconception that not everyone gets sunburns. This is simply not true. While some fairer skin types may have higher risks of sunburn, all skin types are susceptible to sunburns. Therefore, it is important to protect all skin types. 

Now, onto understanding what sunburns are and why they happen. (Note: Most 1st and 2nd degree sunburns can be treated at home, but those with severe symptoms require medical care.) 

First-degree Burns:

A first-degree sunburn is usually characterized by skin that is often red, swollen, hot, tight, and painful/itchy. Other physical symptoms may include exhaustion, a fever, nausea, headaches, and peeling. 

Second-degree Burns:

Second-degree sunburns can include blisters, skin that appears wet, and discoloration in the burn. Other physical symptoms may include lightheadedness, a fever, exhaustion, nausea, chills, cramps in muscles, and feeling confused.  

Third degree Burns:

Third-degree burns are not commonly caused by the sun. These types of burns are usually caused by chemicals or fire and would require immediate medical care. 

Sunburns are caused by exposure to Ultraviolet rays from the sun or tanning beds, which can burn and damage our skin. The time we spend outside, medications, time of day, being in the water, and more can all increase the risk of a sunburn. 

Now, here are some tips for how to prevent sunburns and how to treat them. 

Sunburn Prevention: 

To prevent sunburns, it is important to use sunscreen. A water-resistant broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 is usually recommended. It should be applied 30 minutes before stepping outside and re-applied every 2 hours. Another way to prevent sunburns is to stay out of the sun during its peak time, which is from 10 AM - 4 PM.  Wearing protective clothing, such as sunglasses, wide hats, and clothing with UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor), can all be beneficial in helping prevent sunburns. Keeping an eye on our medications and any cosmetics we use is also important. Certain medications and cosmetics may make us more sensitive to the sun, which can increase the likelihood of getting sunburned.  (Note: Being around reflective surfaces, such as the snow, water, and sand, can all increase the chance of sunburn as well.) 

Sunburn Treatment: 

There are many ways to treat a sunburn at home. Cooling the skin is one of the first things that should be done. This can be done by taking a cold shower/bath or gently applying a cold compress/towel. Next is moisturizing the skin. Aloe Vera gel or non-oily, unscented hydrating creams can work. Hydration and pain relievers are important for symptom relief. It is important to leave blistered and peeling skin alone. For severe symptoms such as a fever, severe exhaustion, large blisters, confusion, vomiting, and more, it's best to see a medical professional as soon as possible. If you have any questions about what over-the-counter medications you should use, contacting your doctor would be a good idea. 

 

Some Helpful Resources:

What is sunburn? - Cleveland Clinic
Dos and Don’ts For Preventing and Treating Sunburn- Kaiser Permanente
Sunburn Treatment - Mayo Clinic

 

Article Sources: 

Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2023). Sun Safety. Www.hopkinsmedicine.org. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/sun-safety

Mayo Clinic. (2024b, June 7). Sunburn - symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sunburn/symptoms-causes/syc-20355922

Sunburn - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic. (2022, October 8). Www.mayoclinic.org. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sunburn/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355928

Sunburn: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. (n.d.). Medlineplus.gov. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003227.htm

Cleveland Clinic. (2023, June 7). Sunburn: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21858-sunburn

Blogs & News. (2025). Doctors at Kaiser Permanente in MD, VA, DC. https://mydoctor.kaiserpermanente.org/mas/news/dos-and-donts-for-preventing-and-treating-sunburn-2747797