Sunburns typically appear 3 to 5 hours after sun exposure, peaking within 24 hours and fading within about 48 hours. In severe cases, healing may take up to 2 weeks.

A sunburn is skin damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun. Although sunburns only last a few days in most cases, long-term damage, such as the increased risk of skin cancers, may take years to appear.

Some research suggests that up to 1 in 3 people in the United States experience sunburn each year.

Learn about what to expect as your body works to remove and repair damaged skin.

How long a sunburn lasts depends on its severity.

Mild sunburns

Mild sunburns may cause skin discoloration, slight inflammation, and some tenderness that could last 3 to 5 days.

Your skin may also peel a bit toward the last couple of days as your skin regenerates.

Moderate sunburns

Moderate sunburns are typically more painful. Your skin may appear red or discolored, swollen, and hot to the touch. They typically take around 1 week to heal, but the skin may continue to peel for a few more days.

Severe sunburns

Severe sunburns, also known as sun poisoning, are usually characterized by painful blistering and hot, sore, and discolored skin. You may also experience symptoms such as:

If you experience a severe sunburn, you may need to see a doctor or go to the hospital. Severe sunburn can take up to 2 weeks to fully recover.

Even if you don’t need to go to a hospital, you’ll likely have to stay home and rest to recover from a severe burn.

Several factors can affect how long your sunburn symptoms last. Not everyone reacts the same way to sun exposure. Some risk factors may include:

  • being exposed to the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. (when the sun’s rays are most intense)
  • taking certain medications, such as some antibiotics, diuretics, sulfonamides, fluoroquinolones, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • having a light skin tone
  • being at high altitudes
  • living or visiting places near the equator
  • being in areas where there are ozone holes
  • not using proper sun protection such as sunscreen

A common symptom of sunburn is erythema, which is when the skin becomes red or pink. This could make seeing a sunburn on darker skin tones more difficult.

Research suggests that erythema usually develops within 3 to 5 hours of sun exposure and peaks after around 24 hours. Skin discoloration should get better within 3 to 7 days, but it may take longer for more severe sunburns.

The duration of pain from sunburn may depend on the severity of your burn.

Along with other symptoms of sunburn, pain or tenderness may start within 3 to 5 hours after sun exposure and peak around 24 hours. Pain will usually subside after 48 hours.

You can reduce pain with over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Aleve) or aspirin (Bufferin). Applying cool compresses to the skin may also offer some relief.

Like other symptoms of sunburn, the duration of swelling may depend on the severity of your burn.

Swelling associated with a mild sunburn may take up to 1 week to heal, but a more severe sunburn may take up to 2 weeks to heal.

To help reduce swelling, consider taking NSAIDs or using a corticosteroid cream.

Blisters from a moderate to severe burn may take a few days to show up on the skin. Since blisters are usually the sign of a moderate or severe burn, they might take 7 to 10 days to heal.

It’s important not to break any blisters to help prevent infections. If they break on their own, clean the area with mild soap and water and cover it with a wet dressing.

Keep the blisters out of the sun to help expedite healing.

Peeling will usually start a few days after you’ve been burned, according to the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS). It can last for up to 10 days after sun exposure. In general, peeling will stop when the skin is fully healed.

The United Kingdom’s NHS recommends not removing peeling skin. The skin will naturally shed. Your new skin is delicate and more susceptible to irritation.

Some ways to help soothe your skin and help it heal more quickly may include:

  • drinking plenty of water
  • taking a warm bath to loosen the dead cells
  • applying a gentle moisturizer

A sun rash can develop within 3 days of sun exposure, which may last for up to 2 weeks.

Apply a cool compress and aloe vera gel to help soothe the skin and speed up the healing time for your rash.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting medical attention if you experience any of the following:

  • fever
  • dehydration
  • sunburn covers more than 15% of your body
  • pain lasts longer than 48 hours

Look out for the following symptoms:

  • faintness
  • rapid heartbeat
  • extreme thirst
  • no urine output
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • chills
  • confusion
  • signs of an infection in blisters, such as pus, swelling, and tenderness

Although the symptoms of a sunburn are temporary, the damage to your skin and DNA is permanent. Long-term effects include premature aging, wrinkles, sun spots, and skin cancer.

Protect your skin with sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and sun-protective clothing whenever you go outside.

A sunburn may appear within a few hours after sun exposure. The duration of your symptoms may depend on the severity of the burn.

Mild and moderate sunburns may heal on their own within 1 week, while severe sunburns may take up to 2 weeks.

Speak with a doctor if you experience a severe sunburn.