Why does sunburn make you cold?

Why hot skin and chills can happen together

Sunburn is inflammation caused by too much ultraviolet radiation. UV damage triggers skin cells to release inflammatory chemicals, producing redness, swelling and warmth. A severe burn can also cause symptoms beyond the skin, including fever, chills, headache, nausea and vomiting. Hot skin and feeling cold are therefore not contradictory: skin warmth is a local symptom, while chills are part of a more widespread reaction.1

Can sunburn make you feel cold?

Yes, but chills are not a typical feature of a mild burn limited to sore, warm skin. They belong among the symptoms of a severe reaction, sometimes called sun poisoning. Severe sunburn can also damage the skin's ability to hold moisture, leading to dehydration. Feeling cold alone cannot tell you which complication is present.23

When should you get medical help?

Get medical attention promptly for sunburn with any of these symptoms:

• Chills, fever, nausea or a rash.
• Severe pain, blistering or facial swelling.
• Dizziness, faintness, rapid breathing or a rapid pulse.
• Pale, clammy or cool skin.
• Extreme thirst, a dry mouth, unusually dark urine or no urine output.
• Increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pain or pus.
• Eye pain or sensitivity to light.

Call your local emergency number immediately if someone has a high body temperature and is confused or unconscious. Heatstroke is a medical emergency. Move the person to a cool place and start cooling them with cold water and fanning while waiting for help.4

What should you do now?

While arranging care for chills or other concerning symptoms:

1. 1Get indoors and out of the sun. Keep burned areas protected from further exposure.
2. 2Soothe the burn with a cool, not cold, shower or bath, or a cool damp cloth. Avoid harsh soap on burned skin and gently pat dry.
3. 3Drink extra water. Continue taking extra fluids over the next two to three days.
4. 4For skin without blisters, apply a moisturizer containing aloe vera or soy while the skin is still damp and when discomfort returns. Avoid numbing products containing benzocaine or lidocaine.
5. 5For pain, use ibuprofen or acetaminophen as directed. Do not give aspirin to children.
6. 6Leave blisters intact. Do not pop them or peel away their covering.

Sun protection includes shade and clothing, neither of which needs a skincare launch campaign.5

How long does the reaction last?

Sunburn can take several hours to appear, and its full effect can take 24 hours or longer. Pain is often worst between 6 and 48 hours after exposure. Redness generally settles over 3 to 7 days, while blisters usually heal within 7 to 10 days. Those skin recovery times are not a reason to wait out chills or fever.12

A 'healthy tan' is not a real category, however committed the holiday brochure is to the concept. Protect exposed skin with broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen rated SPF 30 or higher, alongside shade and protective clothing. Reapply sunscreen every two hours and after swimming or sweating.25