Healthdirect Australia is not responsible for the content and advertising on the external website you are now entering.
Sunburn and sun protection
8-minute read
Key facts
- Sunburn is skin damage caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
- Symptoms may include red, painful, itchy or blistered skin.
- If you have sunburn, a moisturising lotion or cream can help your skin heal.
- Repeated sunburn can lead to wrinkled skin, scaly patches or skin cancer.
- Sun protection helps prevent sunburn.
What is sunburn?
Sunburn happens when your skin is damaged from too much sun exposure. The sun gives off ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Too much of it may harm your skin.
Sunburn can happen in as little as 10 minutes.
What are the symptoms of sunburn?
Symptoms of sunburn may include:
If you have sunburn, you may also notice your skin start to peel.
CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.
What causes sunburn?
Sunlight contains ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Too much UV radiation causes sunburn.
UV levels are the strongest when the sun is high in the sky. Thin clouds, snow, water and light sand can also increase your UV exposure. You can also be exposed to UV radiation from a solarium (tanning bed).
How quickly you burn depends on your skin type. Very fair skin can burn in just 10 minutes, while darker skin may take much longer.
When should I see a doctor?
You should see your doctor if your sunburn is severe. See your doctor if you notice:
- large areas of blistering
- signs of infection, such as fever or yellow crusts on your skin
- severe pain
- signs of dehydration, such as dizziness, urinating less and tiredness
Also talk to your doctor if you develop long-term changes after severe sunburn, such as:
- new freckles
- dark spots
- scaly patches
- unusual skin growths
When to seek urgent care
Seek urgent care if you or your baby show signs of heatstroke. Signs may include:
Heatstroke is a medical emergency. Call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance if someone has symptoms.
FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.
How is sunburn diagnosed?
Your doctor will examine your skin to diagnose sunburn.
ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.
How is sunburn treated?
There is no treatment that can undo the skin damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays. That's why it's important to prevent sunburn.
If you have sunburn, there are steps you can take to relieve your symptoms:
- Place a cool, damp towel on the burn to soothe the pain and itching.
- Apply a moisturising lotion or cream to help your skin heal.
- Take pain relief medicines to ease pain and swelling.
- Aloe vera may feel soothing, but it doesn't speed up healing and may sometimes irritate the skin.
If a large area of skin is blistered, hospital care may be needed.
Talk to your pharmacist or doctor if you have questions about pain relief medicines.
What are the complications of sunburn?
If you have sunburn, you may develop complications such as dehydration or a skin infection.
Sunburn can also lead to complications that appear much later in life, such as:
- wrinkles, freckles or brown spots on your skin
- rough, scaly patches (actinic keratoses)
- skin cancer, including melanoma
Can sunburn be prevented?
You can prevent sunburn by limiting how much UV radiation reaches your skin.
Use sun protection — especially when the UV index is 3 or higher. Plan your day to reduce your risk of sunburn.
Sun protection
When you are in the sun, the best way to prevent sunburn is to 'slip, slop, slap, seek and slide'.
- Slip on some sun-protective clothing that covers as much skin as possible.
- Slop on broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF30+ sunscreen.
- Slap on a hat that protects your face, head, neck and ears.
- Seek some shade.
- Slide on some sunglasses that meet Australian Standards.
How to use sunscreen
To protect against sunburn, you should apply a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30+ or higher. If you or your child are prone to sunburn, use a higher SPF.
Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen. This protects you against different forms of UV rays. Make sure the sunscreen is water-resistant.
Use sunscreen in the morning as part of your daily routine. Make sure to reapply often. You can still get sunburn if you do not use enough sunscreen or forget to reapply.
Sunscreen should be applied to your:
- face
- neck
- hands
- each part of your body not covered by clothing
How can I protect my child from sunburn?
Babies and children have more delicate skin than adults and can burn more easily. Use a sunscreen for children that is made for their sensitive skin.
Sunscreen is not recommended for babies under 6 months. To prevent sunburn:
- keep your baby out of the sun
- ensure they wear a hat
- dress them in protective clothing
Read more about sun and heat protection for babies and kids.
Does sun protection affect vitamin D levels?
For most people, using sensible sun protection does not cause vitamin D deficiency.
How much vitamin D you make from the sun depends on your skin type, the season and how much skin is uncovered.
People with darker skin (deep brown to black) need more time in the sun to make enough vitamin D. Even in summer, they may need longer exposure with more skin uncovered.
In Australia, most people get enough vitamin D in summer by going about their usual activities. In winter, it may be harder to get enough vitamin D from the sun.
Resources and support
- Cancer Council has more information on what happens to your skin when you get sunburn and how to protect your skin from the sun.
- Skin Health Institute has information on treating sunburn in adults and children.
- SunSmart has a fact sheet on sunscreen.
You can check the UV levels (the 'UV Index') at the:
- Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency
- Bureau of Meteorology
- SunSmart UV widget
- SunSmart app
You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Languages other than English
- Cancer Council has information on how to protect your skin from the sun in languages other than English on the Health Translations website.
- NSW Health has translated resources on protecting yourself from the heat.
Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples
- For sun protection resources, visit the Cancer Council's dedicated page for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
- Our Mob and Cancer outlines the risks and provides information about sun protection.