What should you do if you get a sunburn?

If you get sunburn, there are some steps you can take to relieve discomfort, however you should avoid sunburn at all costs as it can significantly increase your risk of skin cancer.

What is sunburn?

Sunburn is a reaction to over-exposure to UV radiation. Without proper protection, UV radiation immediately starts to injure the deep layers of your skin, damaging the skin cells.

How quickly can I get sunburn?

Sunburn can occur in less than 15 minutes, and skin will turn red within hours of being burnt. Sunburn will continue to develop for the next 1 to 3 days after exposure to UV radiation.

How can I treat sunburn at home?

For sunburns that can be treated at home, follow these steps to relieve discomfort:

• Drink fluids – Replenish your body fluids by drinking water, juice or sports drinks
• Cool your body down – Take a cool bath to cool your skin down and relieve the pain
• Relieve the burn – Apply a soothing product designed to alleviate the discomfort of sunburn such as Banana Boat AfterSun to soothe the skin
• Stay out of the sun – Avoid being exposed to the sun until the sunburn fades.

Do I need to see a doctor about my sunburn?

Usually, sunburn does not require a doctor’s care. However, if you are running a fever, see a doctor, as that would indicate possible heatstroke, explains Dr. Draelos from the Skin Cancer Foundation - “Also, if a young child has a bad sunburn and is at risk of dehydration, or if someone is burned over a large portion of his/her body, they may require medical attention.” If your baby is under one year old and gets sunburned, call your doctor immediately.

†The Skin Cancer Foundation