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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
Summer Safety for You and Your Kids
Learn more from WebMD about summer safety, including everything from preventing sunburns to treating bee stings to recognizing Lyme disease.
Skin Cancer and Sun Exposure
WebMD explains how sun exposure ages the skin and raises the risk for skin cancer. Learn more about protecting yourself.
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.
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.
Features
Summer Skin Makeover
Five skin care tips to get your skin healthy and glowing in time for Memorial Day.
Beware of Sunburn Boosters
Some medicines and skin care products can increase your sensitivity to the sun. Here’s how to avoid getting burned.
What Can I Do to Prevent Cancer?
Learn about things you can do to cut your risk of cancer, such as screening tests, exercise, diet, and vaccines.
How to Avoid Summer's Health Woes
Experts explain strategies for preventing 6 common maladies from ruining your summer fun.
Video
Slideshows & Images
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).
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.
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.
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.