Highlights & Basics
- Sunburn is an acute inflammatory skin condition characterized by erythema, edema, vesiculation, and desquamation, with associated symptoms of pain and/or pruritus.
- Sunburn is a major preventable risk factor for accelerated photoaging and most common forms of skin cancer.
- It typically runs a self-limited course and is treated symptomatically.
- Education about future sunburn prevention via sun avoidance during peak daylight hours and the use of protective clothing/sunscreen are key interventions.
Quick Reference
History & Exam
Key Factors
Other Factors
Diagnostics Tests
Treatment Options
Definition
Epidemiology
Etiology
Pathophysiology
Citations
Fitzpatrick TB. The validity and practicality of sun-reactive skin types I through VI. Arch Dermatol. 1988 Jun;124(6):869-71.[Abstract]
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sunburn and sun protective behaviors among adults aged 18-29 years--United States, 2000-2010. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2012;61:317-322.[Abstract][Full Text]
Han A, Maibach, HI. Management of acute sunburn. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2004;5:39-47.[Abstract]
US Preventive Services Task Force. Recommendation Statement. Behavioral Counseling to Prevent Skin Cancer. Mar 2018 [internet publication].[Full Text]
Whiteman DC, Neale RE, Aitken J, et al. When to apply sunscreen: a consensus statement for Australia and New Zealand. Aust N Z J Public Health. 2019 Apr;43(2):171-5.[Abstract][Full Text]
1. Fitzpatrick TB. The validity and practicality of sun-reactive skin types I through VI. Arch Dermatol. 1988 Jun;124(6):869-71.[Abstract]
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sunburn and sun protective behaviors among adults aged 18-29 years--United States, 2000-2010. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2012;61:317-322.[Abstract][Full Text]
3. Brown TT, Quain RD, Troxel AB, et al. The epidemiology of sunburn in the US population in 2003. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2006;55:577-583.[Abstract]
4. Braun HA, Adler CH, Goodman M, et al. Sunburn frequency and risk and protective factors: a cross-sectional survey. Dermatol Online J. 2021 Apr 15;27(4):13030/qt6qn7k2gp.[Abstract][Full Text]
5. National Cancer Institute. Sunburn. Mar 2024 [internet publication].[Full Text]
6. Cancer Research UK. UK sunburn risk: third of adults more likely to protect their skin abroad than at home. Aug 2021 [internet publication].[Full Text]
7. James WD, Berger TD, Elston DM. Andrews' diseases of the skin: clinical dermatology. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier; 2006.
8. Ziegler A, Jonason AS, Leffell DJ, et al. Sunburn and p53 in the onset of skin cancer. Nature. 1994;372:773-776.[Abstract]
9. Bolognia, JL, Jorizzo JL, Rapini RP. Dermatology. 1st ed. London, UK: Mosby; 2003.
10. Van Laethem A, Claerhout S, Garmyn M, et al. The sunburn cell: regulation of death and survival of the keratinocyte. Int J Biochem Cell Biol. 2005;37:1547-1553.[Abstract]
11. Han A, Maibach, HI. Management of acute sunburn. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2004;5:39-47.[Abstract]
12. US Preventive Services Task Force. Recommendation Statement. Behavioral Counseling to Prevent Skin Cancer. Mar 2018 [internet publication].[Full Text]
13. Zitser BS, Shah AN, Adams ML, et al. A survey of sunbathing practices on three Connecticut state beaches. Conn Med. 1996;60:591-594.[Abstract]
14. Hall HI, May DS, Lew RA, et al. Sun protection behaviors of the US white population. Prev Med. 1997;26:401-407.[Abstract]
15. Wright WW, Wright ST, Wagner RF. Mechanisms of sunscreen failure. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2001;44:781-784.[Abstract]
16. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. February 2016. Sunlight exposure: risks and benefits. Available at https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng34 (accessed on 7 July 2017).[Full Text]
17. Whiteman DC, Neale RE, Aitken J, et al. When to apply sunscreen: a consensus statement for Australia and New Zealand. Aust N Z J Public Health. 2019 Apr;43(2):171-5.[Abstract][Full Text]
18. Brinker TJ, Faria BL, de Faria OM, et al. Effect of a Face-Aging Mobile App-Based Intervention on Skin Cancer Protection Behavior in Secondary Schools in Brazil: A Cluster-Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Dermatol. 2020 Jul 1;156(7):737-745.[Abstract][Full Text]
19. Miyamura Y, Coelho SG, Schlenz K, et al. The deceptive nature of UVA tanning versus the modest protective effects of UVB tanning on human skin. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res. 2011 Feb;24(1):136-47.[Abstract][Full Text]
20. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC Yellow Book 2024: health information for international travel. Section 4: environmental hazards & risks - sun exposure. May 2023 [internet publication].[Full Text]
21. Goldfelder KL, Levin JM, Katz KA, et al. Ultraviolet recall reaction after total body irradiation, etoposide, and methotrexate therapy. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2007;56:494-499.[Abstract]
22. Hettiaratchy S, Papini R. Initial management of a major burn: II - assessment and resuscitation. BMJ. 2004 Jul 10;329(7457):101-3.[Abstract][Full Text]
23. Berg AO. Screening for skin cancer: recommendations and rationale. Am J Nurs. 2004;104:87-91.[Abstract]
24. Cox NH, Sharpe G. Emollients, salicylic acid, and ultraviolet erythema. Lancet. 1990;335:53-54.[Abstract]
25. Heggie S, Bryant GP, Tripcony L, et al. A phase III study on the efficacy of topical aloe vera gel on irradiated breast tissue. Cancer Nurs. 2002; 25:442-451.[Abstract]
26. Crowell J, Hilsenbeck S, Penneys N. Aloe vera does not affect cutaneous erythema and blood flow following ultraviolet B exposure. Photodermatol. 1989;6:237-239.[Abstract]
27. Ferreira M, Teixeira M, Silva E, et al. Allergic contact dermatitis to aloe vera. Contact Dermatitis. 2007:57:278-279.[Abstract]
28. Cusano F, Luciano S. Contact dermatitis from pramoxine. Contact Dermatitis. 1993;28:39.[Abstract]
29. Parsons L. Office management of minor burns. Lippincotts Prim Care Pract. 1997;1:40-49.[Abstract]
30. Griglak MJ. Thermal injury. Emerg Med Clin North Am. 1992;10:369-383.[Abstract]
31. Autier P, Boniol M, Dore JF. Sunscreen use and increased duration of intentional sun exposure: still a burning issue. Int J Cancer. 2007;121:1-5.[Abstract]
32. D'Souza G, Evans GR. Mexoryl: a review of an ultraviolet A filter. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2007;120:1071-1075.[Abstract]
33. US Food and Drug Administration. Sunscreen: How to Help Protect Your Skin from the Sun. Aug 2019 [internet publication].[Full Text]
34. US Food and Drug Administration. FDA advances new proposed regulation to make sure that sunscreens are safe and effective. Feb 2019 [internet publication]. [Full Text]
35. Morison W. Photoprotection by clothing. Dermatol Ther. 2003;16:16-22.[Abstract]
36. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sun exposure - sunburn. May 2018 [internet publication].[Full Text]
37. Derancourt C, Bourdon-Lanoy E, Grob JJ, et al. Multiple large solar lentigos on the upper back as clinical markers of past severe sunburn: a case-control study. Dermatology. 2007;214:25-31.[Abstract]
