Sunburn

Sunburn is the damage caused to your skin when it is exposed to too much sun or its ultraviolet radiation. In the harsh Australian sun, it will just take 15 minutes for a sunburn to occur if you are not cautious. This exposure damages skin cells and blood vessels, leading to redness, inflammation, pain, and, in severe cases, blistering and peeling. The skin’s natural response to UV damage is to increase melanin production, but when exposure exceeds this protective capability, sunburn occurs.

When to consult a doctor for sunburn?

If sunburn is severe or blistering

See a doctor if you have severe blistering, intense pain, or swelling that does not improve with home treatment, as this may indicate a serious burn.

If you have systemic symptoms or feel unwell

Seek medical attention if you develop fever, chills, weakness, dizziness, confusion, persistent headache, nausea, or vomiting, which may be signs of heat exhaustion or sun poisoning.

If the sunburn shows signs of infection

Consult a doctor if blistered areas become increasingly red, warm, swollen, or begin to ooze pus, as infected sunburn requires medical treatment.

This guide does not replace professional care. Consult a doctor to manage your symptoms. In emergencies, call 000. The content is research-backed & medically reviewed. by Dr. Ammar AL-ANI, MBChB, CCBST, AMC

Symptoms

Depending on the exposure to the skin and how sensitive the skin is, sunburn symptoms can range from mild redness to severe blistering. There is no cure for sunburn. Extra skin protection while going out in the harsh sun of summer is necessary.

Here are some common symptoms to look out for:

Swelling and blistering

Redness and warm to touch

Pain, tenderness and discomfort in the burn area

Itching, peeling of skin and dryness

Heat stroke, fatigue, headaches and nausea

Fever

Confusion

Severe dehydration

Telehealth for sunburn management

Certain foods can support the body’s natural healing process for sunburn. Your diet and hydration play an important role in healing sunburn or heat stroke. Nutrient-packed foods can work from the inside out, helping to soothe and restore sun-damaged skin.

It is important to speak to a GP first to understand and manage your symptoms. Hola Health provides a convenient way for you to consult a doctor online, 24/7 across Australia. Our AHPRA-registered Australian online GP will conduct a comprehensive assessment to provide the best possible care.

Clinical note: An online GP assessment helps provide medical advice for your sunburn symptoms and evaluate if a face-to-face consultation or physical examination is needed. Online GPs can provide prescriptions, referrals or medical certificate online if clinically indicated. Telehealth is a complementary service; a physical assessment may be necessary to determine the depth of the burn or to treat secondary infections. Diagnosis and advice are highly dependent on the quality of provided clinical images. After-hours bulk billing is available for eligible patients during Medicare-defined periods; otherwise, private fees apply. Consultations are secure, encrypted, and Australian-stored (in compliance with the Australian Privacy Principles). In case of a high body temperature (above 39°C), confusion, seizure, inability to keep down fluids, or if the burn covers a large portion of the body (especially in children), call 000 immediately. We recommend sharing your consult summaries with your regular GP to ensure continuity of care.