What is a sunburn?
A person with a sunburn has an injury to the skin, caused by exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun. In most cases, sunburn causes a first degree burn. When the skin blisters, the person has suffered a second degree burn. About 40 percent of adults in the US develop a sunburn each year.

What are the symptoms of a sunburn?
Symptoms of a first degree sunburn include skin redness, pain, and swelling. Additional symptoms of a second degree sunburn include skin blisters.

How does the doctor treat a sunburn?
Treatment for a first degree sunburn may include cool compresses or baths, aloe, moisturizing cream, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications for pain. Treatment for a second degree sunburn may also include protection for unruptured blisters, removal of ruptured blisters, antibiotic ointment, and narcotic pain medication.