Sunburn
Preventing sunburn
Skin should be protected from strong sunlight by covering up with suitable clothing, seeking shade and applying sunscreen.
In the UK, the risk of getting sunburnt is highest from March to October, particularly from 11am to 3pm, when the sun's rays are strongest.
There is also a risk of getting sunburn in other weather conditionsfor example, light reflecting off snow can also cause sunburn. You can also burn in cloudy and cool conditions.
Suitable clothing:
- a wide-brimmed hat that shades the face, neck and ears
- a long-sleeved top
- trousers or long skirts in close-weave fabrics that do not allow sunlight through
- sunglasses with wraparound lenses or wide arms with the CE Mark and European Standard EN 1836:2005.
Sunscreen:
When buying sunscreen, make sure it's suitable for your skinand blocks both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation.
The sunscreen label should have:
- the letters "UVA" in a circle logo and at least 4-star UVA protection
- at least SPF15 sunscreen to protect against UVB
Most people do not apply enough sunscreen. The amount of sunscreen needed for the body of an average adult to achieve the stated sun protection factor (SPF) is around 35ml or 6 to 8 teaspoons of lotion. Video: how to apply sunscreen .
If sunscreen is applied too thinly, it provides less protection. If youre worried you might not be applying enough SPF15, you could use a stronger SPF30 sunscreen.
If you plan to be out in the sun long enough to risk burning, sunscreen needs to be applied twice:
- 30 minutes before going out
- just before you go out
Sunscreen should be applied to all exposed skin, including the face, neck and ears (and head if you have thinning or no hair), but a wide-brimmed hat is better.
How long it takes for your skin to go red or burn varies from person to person. The Cancer Research UK website has a handy tool where you can find out your skin type , to see when you might be at risk of burning.
Water-resistant sunscreen is needed if sweating or contact with water is likely.
Sunscreen needs to be reapplied liberally, frequently and according to the manufacturers instructions. This includes straight after you've been in water (even if it is "water-resistant") and after towel drying, sweating or when it may have rubbed off.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Sunburn is skin damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays. It usually causes the skin to become red, sore, warm, tender and occasionally itchy for about a week.
What to do if you're sunburnt
If you or your child has sunburn, you should get out of the sun as soon as possible head indoors or into a shady area. You can usually treat mild sunburn at home, although there are some circumstance
When to seek medical advice
You should contact your GP, attend an NHS walk-in centre , or call NHS 111 for advice if you feel unwell or have any concerns about your sunburn, particularly if you are burnt over a large area or h
Who's at risk of sunburn?
Everyone who is exposed to UV light is at risk of getting sunburn, although some people are more vulnerable than others. You should take extra care when out in the sun if you: have pale, white or l
Dangers of UV rays
The short-term risks of sun exposure are sunburn and sun allergy . The longer-term risks (over decades) include: actinic (solar) keratoses rough and scaly pre-cancerous spots on the skin skin ca
Preventing sunburn
Skin should be protected from strong sunlight by covering up with suitable clothing, seeking shade and applying sunscreen. In the UK, the risk of getting sunburnt is highest from March to October, pa
Advice for babies and children
Children aged under six months should be kept out of direct strong sunlight. From March to October in the UK, children should: cover up with suitable clothing spend time in the shade (particularly
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