Sunburn

Sunburn is an acute cutaneous inflammatory reaction to ultraviolet (UV) radiation (particularly UVB). Painful erythema starts 2 to 6 hours after exposure, reaching a maximum at 24 hours. In severe cases, blistering is associated with malaise, fever, nausea and vomiting. Resolution takes 4 to 7 days. There is often peeling of the sunburnt skin.

Sunburn is treated as for any burn. Management is supportive, with adequate analgesia. Cool compresses and emollients may relieve symptoms. Topical corticosteroids and topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be useful. Oral corticosteroids have no role in therapy.

Cutaneous drug eruptions (eg phototoxic, photoallergic) can be misdiagnosed as sunburn. If a person (especially a child) gets sunburnt easily for no obvious reason, assess for a photosensitive disorder (eg drug-related, genetic, autoimmune).