by Alison Moss

Created on: March 18, 2008   Last Updated: March 12, 2009

Sunburn is the damage done to skin from the ultraviolet (UV) rays which come from the sun. When your sun is exposed to too much UV rays the skin becomes burnt, red and painful. Sunburn can result in peeling or blistering. There can also be swelling, fever, dizziness, headaches or nausea (these last three symptoms are symptoms of heatstroke and the two can coincide).

Avoid further sunlight ideally by staying in the shade or if this is not possible then covering up the area with light cool clothing. Reduce the burning in the skin by having a cool shower or bath or sponging cool water on the area.

After being in the hot sun you will have lost water so try to replace this by drinking plenty of fluids (but not alcohol). Water or juice is probably the best thing to replace the lost fluids.

Apply an aftersun lotion or moisturiser to the affected area. This will help cool the skin down and will moisturise the skin. Don't rub it into the skin as your skin will be very sore but try to gently pat it in to absorb.

Adults can also take paracetamol or ibuprofen which will help if there is a lot of pain or swelling. Consult your doctor in the case of young children.

If the burn is quite severe then you should seek medical advice as there is a risk of infection if the skin blisters.

The symptoms of sunburn do not normally occur immediately after exposure to the sun and usually develop gradually with full symptoms happening approx 6-48 hours after exposure. Therefore it is important to take steps to try to prevent the sunburn from occurring. It is also important to try and prevent sunburn as people who have a high exposure to UV rays have a higher risk of skin cancer.

You can prevent sunburn by avoiding exposure to the sun when it is at its hottest. Always use a suncream when you are out in the sun with a high sun protection factor. Apply this thickly to the skin and preferably before you go out in the sun. Ensure that you reapply the cream regularly throughout the day. Use light loose fitting clothing to cover yourself up to avoid skin burning and a hat, especially if you are thin on top!

Take extra care with children and especially babies. Ensure they have suncream and hats on. Try to keep them in the shade as much as possible, use parasols etc to protect them from the sun. Always ensure they are not out in the hottest part of the day.

If you or your children are swimming, ensure you reapply suncream after coming out of the water.
Following this advice will help prevent sunburn but also help to minimise the pain and problems that occur if you or any of your family happen to get sunburn.

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