Acute skin inflammation caused by overexposure to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight or other sources.
More common and severe in light-skinned people, it ranges from mild redness and tenderness to intense pain, edema , and blistering, sometimes with shock, fever, and nausea. The process begins after 15 minutes in the sun, but redness starts 6–12 hours later and peaks within a day. Pigment cells in the skin increase melanin production ("tan"). Cold compresses and analgesic s reduce pain. Limiting sun exposure, using sunscreen, and wearing protective clothing can prevent severe sunburn. Long-term sun exposure can eventually cause skin cancer , as well as skin wrinkling and thickening.