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: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
WebMD explains the causes, symptoms, and treatment of sunburn, including tips for home treatment and prevention, and when to see a doctor.
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Sunburn Treatment
WebMD walks you through first aid treatment for sunburn.
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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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How to Spot Signs of Sun Damage
Too much fun in the sun? Learn the signs of damage 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: Precancerous Skin Lesions and Skin Cancer
Like many cancers, skin cancers -- including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma -- start as precancerous lesions. These precancerous lesions are changes in skin that are not cancer, but could become cancer over time. Learn to spot the early warning signs of skin cancer. It can be cured if it's found and treated early.