Sunburn Risks, Prevention and Treatment

So many fun outdoor activities are great for our health. But spending time in the sun can also come with risks. Exposure to the sun’s UV rays can cause our skin to burn.

While a single sunburn can seem minor, each exposure causes inflammation of the skin that leads to cell damage. Over time, injured cells can develop into cancer cells. So while a single sunburn doesn’t necessary lead to skin cancer, each one can increase your risk of it.

Additionally, long-term sun exposure without any protection can lead to faster skin aging, like wrinkles and brown spots.

Exposure when the sun’s UV rays are strong increases your risk of sunburn. The sun’s ultraviolet rays are strongest between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. But you shouldn’t automatically feel protected by going outside before or after those hours.

“Even though the maximum amount of sun rays or ultraviolet rays are between those times, you will still have a significant exposure and significant risk from sunburn during other times,” says Dhaval Bhavsar, MD, medical director of Burnett Burn Center at The University of Kansas Health System.

Anyone can get sunburned, no matter their skin color. However, people with the lightest skin color are more likely to get sunburned. Although skin cancer in people of color is less frequent, it is usually detected later and with a worse prognosis, so protection from the sun is just as important for those with darker skin.

Some medications can increase the risk of sunburn. They include:

• Antibiotics like doxycycline and other tetracyclines, and fluoroquinolones
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• Photosensitizing medication
• Retinoids
• St. John’s wort
• Sulfonamides
• Thiazide diuretics

Certain medical conditions can also increase the risk of getting sunburned. They include:

• Autoimmune diseases
• Common dermatologic diseases
• Infections
• Solar allergies
• Unknown malignancies

Limiting time outside during the times UV rays are at their peak is a good first step in reducing your chances of a sunburn. It’s also recommended to cover exposed skin with lightweight and loose clothing and wear a hat and sunglasses – your eyes can be damaged by exposure to the sun’s rays.

Using sunscreen is essential for protecting your skin. Sunscreen can help prevent skin cancer and protect your skin from aging caused by sun damage.

DO: Use mineral-based sunscreen. Dr. Bhavsar recommends these because they sit on the top of the skin and reflect the sun, while chemical-based sunscreens are absorbed into the skin. Check labels to find a sunscreen that contains zinc oxide.

DO: Choose a sunscreen lotion instead of a spray. Lotions provide more mineral-based protection.

“Spray-on sunscreens do not create even layers,” Dr. Bhavsar says. “And most of the spray-on sunscreens are not mineral-based. That doesn't mean that they do not provide any protection, but if I had to, I would choose the mineral-based lotions as my first choice and the spray-on sunscreens as my backup.”

DO: Select a sunscreen that has SPF 30 or higher.

DO: Reapply sunscreen frequently throughout the day. Especially after being in the water or sweating profusely.

DON’T: Worry excessively about sunscreens with oxybenzone or benzene. There has been some discussion about these products, but they have either been recalled for benzene levels or, in the case of oxybenzone, the evidence doesn’t support harmful effects. Learn more about common sunscreen myths.

Most sunburn can be treated at home over the course of a week. Relieve the pain by applying lotion or gel containing aloe vera or soy. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or aspirin can also help. Drink plenty of water and hydrating fluids because staying hydrated can help speed up the skin’s healing process.

When your skin begins to peel, let it flake off on its own. Do not pull or peel the skin yourself. This can cause further damage and disrupt the healing process.

If you see blisters on your skin due to a sunburn, contact your doctor or visit an urgent care location. Blisters mean you have a second-degree burn. Make sure not to pop or pick at the blisters as this can cause bleeding and further skin damage.