How Long Does Sunburn Last?

Redness, swelling, blisters, and peeling skin caused by sunburn can last anywhere from a couple of days to a couple of weeks.

Sunburn can last anywhere from a couple of days to a couple of weeks, depending on the severity of the burn. 

• In a mild sunburn, there is some skin redness that develops about two to six hours after sun exposure
  • Redness from a mild sunburn usually lasts about two days
• In a moderate sunburn, the skin is swollen and hot to the touch
  • Skin redness and swelling from a moderate sunburn can last up to a week before it heals completely
• In a severe sunburn, the skin is red and feels intensely hot, and eventually develops into blisters
  • Blisters and skin peeling from a severe sunburn can last up to two weeks 

Early symptoms of sunburn occur immediately or within hours after UV exposure and may include:

• Skin redness
• Skin irritation
• Skin tenderness
• Skin feels hot
• Pain when touching or rubbing the skin 
• Dehydration from fluid loss from the heat

After the initial redness, symptoms of sunburn that can develop include: 

• Skin swelling
• Itching 
• Blistering
• Peeling
• Welts or rashes

See a doctor if you have symptoms of severe sunburn. Symptoms of severe sunburn (sun poisoning) include the symptoms above and the following: 

• Fever
• Chills
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Rapid breathing
• Fast heartbeat
• Dehydration
• Severe blisters or soreness
• Shock with loss of consciousness

Severe sunburn may also be associated with heat exhaustion or heat stroke, which is a medical emergency. 

Sunburn is caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. A similar type of burn can also occur due to overexposure from a “sun” or tanning lamp that also produces UV radiation. 

Certain medications (called photosensitive drugs) can increase skin sensitivity to sunlight and make a person more prone to sunburn, such as: 

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)  
• Certain antibiotics
• Diuretics (water pills)
• Certain heart medications
• Some diabetes drugs 
• Certain psychiatric drugs
• Acne medications

Some medical conditions can increase the risk of skin damage, including severe sunburn, from exposure to UV radiation. These conditions include: 

• Albinism
• Porphyrias 
• Systemic lupus erythematosus
• Vitiligo
• Xeroderma pigmentosum