How long does sunburn last? What to expect and when to get help.
You felt fine at the beach; maybe a little warm, maybe a little pink. But by the time you got home, your skin told a different story. Now it’s red, sore and radiating heat. Classic sunburn. And all you can think is: how long will this sunburn last?
Whether it was a day on the water, a long hike, or just forgetting to reapply sunscreen, sunburn can sneak up on you fast. But even though it seems like a short-term problem, the effects can last longer than you might expect. And they can cause real damage to your skin.
In this guide, we’ll break down what’s actually happening when you get sunburned, how long the symptoms typically last and what you can do to speed up healing (or avoid making it worse).
We’ll also share signs that it’s time to skip the aloe and head to urgent care.
How you get sunburned and why it’s more serious than it seems.
Sunburn isn’t just a temporary inconvenience; it’s a sign of real damage to your skin. When you spend too much time in the sun without proper protection, ultraviolet (UV) rays penetrate the skin and begin to break down healthy cells. Your body reacts by increasing blood flow to the area, which is why your skin turns red, hot and painful.
Sometimes, just 15 minutes of unprotected sun exposure can start the process. Fair skin tends to burn faster. Still, anyone (regardless of skin tone) can get sunburned.
Here’s why sunburn is more than skin-deep:
- It damages your skin’s DNA. Over time, repeated sunburns increase your risk of skin cancer, including melanoma.
- It speeds up skin aging. Wrinkles, sun spots and loss of elasticity all have one major cause in common: UV damage.
- It weakens your skin’s natural barrier. That leaves your body more vulnerable to infection, dehydration and irritation.
Even mild sunburn should be taken seriously. While symptoms like redness and peeling may seem like short-term discomfort, the long-term effects can be lasting (especially without proper protection).
How long does sunburn last? Here’s what to expect.
Most sunburns follow a predictable timeline, but how long they last depends on how severe the burn is and how your body responds.
Here’s a general breakdown:
- Mild sunburn usually lasts 3 to 5 days. You might see redness, tenderness and light peeling near the end.
- Moderate sunburn can last about a week. Swelling, more noticeable pain and deeper peeling may occur.
- Severe sunburn might stick around for 10 days or longer. You could experience blisters, intense pain, chills, or even fever.
The redness typically peaks within 12 to 24 hours after sun exposure. After that, your skin may start to feel tight, itchy, or swollen. Peeling often begins around day 3 and can last for several days as your body sheds the damaged top layer of skin.
If you notice symptoms like large blisters, fever, nausea, or signs of infection, your sunburn may require medical attention. Severe sunburn can also lead to heat exhaustion or dehydration, especially if it covers a large portion of your body.
When in doubt, it’s always safer to get checked out, especially if your symptoms are getting worse instead of better.
What helps sunburn heal faster and what makes it worse.
There’s no magic fix for sunburn, but the right care can ease your symptoms and help your skin recover more quickly. Just as important, knowing what to avoid can keep things from getting worse.
What helps:
- Cool compresses. A damp, cool washcloth can calm the heat and reduce inflammation. Avoid ice directly on the skin.
- Aloe vera or fragrance-free moisturizer. These soothe the skin and help prevent excessive peeling.
- Hydration. Drink plenty of water to help your body heal from the inside out.
- OTC pain relief. Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can reduce discomfort and swelling.
- Loose, breathable clothing. Keep the burned area protected from further irritation and sun exposure.
What makes it worse:
- Peeling or picking. It might be tempting, but peeling your skin can cause infection and slow the healing process.
- Hot showers or baths. Heat can further irritate already-damaged skin.
- Sunscreen on open blisters. Wait until your skin starts to heal before applying any SPF directly to raw or broken areas.
- More sun. Keep the area completely covered until it's fully healed. Even mild exposure can re-inflame sensitive skin.
If your sunburn isn’t improving or it’s paired with symptoms like fever, nausea, or severe blistering, visit your nearest CityMD. Our providers can assess the burn, treat any complications and help you heal safely.
Don’t let sunburn slow you down: know when to get care.
Sunburn might seem like a minor nuisance, but it can turn into something more serious if left untreated. Whether you're dealing with redness and peeling or more severe symptoms like blisters or fever, proper care makes all the difference.
If your sunburn isn’t healing or you're starting to feel worse, don’t wait it out. Walk into your nearest CityMD urgent care location. No appointment needed.
Our medical team can assess the damage, treat complications and help you recover safely so you can get back to feeling your best.
Your skin protects you. Let’s return the favor.
We’re ready to care for you.
Visit any CityMD urgent care location in your community today for an evaluation with one of our expert providers.