Anyone working outdoors is exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet 

(UV) rays, even on cloudy days. UV rays are a part of 

sunlight that is an invisible form of radiation. There are three 

types of UV rays. UVA is believed to damage connective 

tissue and increase the risk for developing skin cancer. 

UVB penetrates less deeply into the skin, but can still cause 

some types of skin cancer. Natural UVC is absorbed by the 

atmosphere and does not pose a risk. 

Sunburn

Sunburn is not immediately apparent. Symptoms usually start 

about 4 hours after sun exposure, worsen in 24–36 hours, 

and resolve in 3–5 days. They include red, tender and swollen 

skin, blistering, headache, fever, nausea, and fatigue. In 

addition to the skin, eyes can become sunburned. Sunburned 

eyes become red, dry, painful, and feel gritty. Chronic eye 

exposure can cause permanent damage, including blindness.

First Aid

■ Take aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen to relieve 

pain, headache, and fever.

■ Drink plenty of water to help replace fluid losses.

■ Comfort burns with cool baths or the gentle application 

of cool wet cloths.

■ Avoid further exposure until the burn has resolved.

■ Use of a topical moisturizing cream, aloe, or 1% 

hydrocortisone cream may provide additional relief.

If blistering occurs:

■ Lightly bandage or cover the area with gauze to prevent 

infection. 

■ Do not break blisters. (This slows healing and increases 

risk of infection.)

■ When the blisters break and the skin peels, dried skin 

fragments may be removed and an antiseptic ointment or 

hydrocortisone cream may be applied. 

Seek medical attention if any of the following occur:

■ Severe sunburns covering more than 15% of the body 

■ Dehydration 

■ High fever (>101 °F) 

■ Extreme pain that persists for longer than 48 hours 

Fast Facts

Sun Exposure

Protecting Yourself from
Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United 

States. The most common types of skin cancer include basal 

cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.

Indicators of skin cancer may include:

■ Irregular borders on moles (ragged, notched, or blurred edges)

■ Moles that are not symmetrical (one half doesn’t match 

the other)

■ Colors that are not uniform throughout

■ Moles that are bigger than a pencil eraser

■ Itchy or painful moles

■ New moles

■ Sores that bleed and do not heal

■ Red patches or lumps

Protect Yourself

■ Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun when possible.

■ Wear sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 15.

ӽ SPF refers to how long a person will be protected 

from a burn. (SPF 15 means a person can stay in the 

sun 15-times longer before burning.) SPF only refers 

to UVB protection.

ӽ To protect against UVA, look for products 

containing: Mexoryl, Parsol 1789, titanium dioxide, 

zinc oxide, or avobenzone. 

ӽ Sunscreen performance is affected by wind, humidity, 

perspiration, and proper application. 

ӽ Throw away sunscreens after 1–2 years (they lose 

potency).

ӽ Apply liberally (minimum of 1 oz) at least 20 minutes 

before sun exposure. 

ӽ Apply to ears, scalp, lips, neck, tops of feet, and backs 

of hands. 

ӽ Reapply at least every 2 hours and each time a person 

gets out of the water or perspires heavily. 

ӽ Some sunscreens may lose their effectiveness when 

applied with insect repellents. You may need to 

reapply more often. 

■ Wear clothing with a tight weave or high-SPF clothing.

■ Wear wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses with UV 

protection and side panels. 

■ Take breaks in shaded areas.

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/outdoor/

DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2010–116

Telephone: 1–800–CDC–INFO

TTY: 1–888–232–6348

E-mail: cdcinfo@cdc.gov

safer • healthier • peopleTM