Sunburn and Sun Poisoning Directory
Sunburn is the result of too much sun exposure or indoor tanning. Sunburn can cause pain, blisters, itching, peeling, and can be a factor in causing skin cancer. People with fair skin, light hair, light eyes, and freckles tend to be at a higher risk for sunburn and sun poisoning, which is a severe case of sunburn. Sun poisoning can also refer to polymorphous light eruption or solar urticaria. Follow the links below to find WebMD's comprehensive coverage about how sunburn and sun poisoning are caused, symptoms of both conditions, treatments, and much more.
Medical Reference
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Sunburn and Other Sun Reactions of the Skin
Too much sun can cause sunburn and other skin reactions. WebMD tells you how to avoid damaging your skin.
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Sunburn Treatment
WebMD walks you through first aid treatment for sunburn.
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How to Spot Signs of Sun Damage
Too much fun in the sun? Learn the signs of damage done.
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How Doctors Diagnose Sun-Damaged Skin
Are you healthy in the skin you’re in? Doctors can tell what the sun has done.
Features
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What's Your Best Sunscreen?
Want to block out harmful rays? There are so many choices. Learn how to pick the right sunscreen for you.
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Beware of Sunburn Boosters
Some medicines and skin care products can increase your sensitivity to the sun. Here’s how to avoid getting burned.
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Is It Possible to Get Poisoned by the Sun?
There's no such thing as "sun poisoning," says our expert. But intense sun can cause a bad rash.
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Summer Without Sunburn
By learning a bit about how sun damage happens and taking a few simple precautions, you can enjoy a summer free of sunburn.
Video
Slideshows & Images
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Picture of Sunburn
A sunburn is skin damage from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. Most sunburns cause mild pain and redness but affect only the outer layer of skin (first-degree burn).
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Picture of Sunburn (Second-Degree)
Skin that is red and painful and that swells up and blisters may mean that deep skin layers and nerve endings have been damaged (second-degree burn). This type of sunburn increases the risk for developing skin cancer.
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Picture of Sunburn (First-Degree Burns)
Most sunburns cause mild pain and redness but affect only the outer layer of skin (first-degree burn). The red skin might hurt when you touch it.
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Slideshow: Summer Skin Hazards
Don’t let sunburn, poison ivy, and jellyfish stings sabotage your healthy skin. Learn about these and other dangers so you can stay safe this summer.