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Sunburn
Get health information > Common ailments > Sunburn
Too much exposure to UV light can lead to sunburn which is both painful and can lead to skin damage and even skin cancer in later life. Read more to find out about being safe in the sun.
Sunburn is skin damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays. Too much exposure to UV light can make your skin red and painful, which can later lead to peeling or blistering. Read the information on this page about sunburn and watch the video in which an expert and members of the public talk about how to stay safe in the sun.
This leaflet gives tips on how to protect your skin from the harmful effects of sunlight. In particular, it is very important to protect children from the sun. Children's skin is more sensitive to sun damage than adults. Sun damage can lead to skin cancer in later life.
Sun Smart: Skin cancer information and sun protection advice
Most skin cancers are caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or sunbeds. Enjoy the sun safely. Whether you're at home or abroad, use shade, clothing and at least SPF15 sunscreen to protect yourself.
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