Your lips are super sensitive to the sun. Unlike the rest of your skin, they’re thin and don’t have much melanin, which is the pigment that protects you from UV rays.
Because of this, it’s easy to get a sunburn in lips, but it’s something that many people forget to protect. That can lead to short-term pain and long-term damage.
Here’s what to know about the causes, symptoms, treatment, prevention, and potential complications of sunburned lips.
What does sunburn on lips look like? (Symptoms)
If your lips have been overexposed to the sun, you’ll likely notice some symptoms within a few hours.
Early signs and mild symptoms
The first signs of lip sunburn usually show up two to five hours after you’ve been in the sun. You may notice redness, dryness, and irritation, along with some tenderness and swelling.
Severe symptoms
More severe sunburns can cause blistering, peeling, and pain, and, in extreme cases, bleeding.
Sun poisoning is a particularly severe form of sunburn, and it can involve fever and chills.
How to Treat Sunburned Lips
If you’re dealing with sunburned lips, here’s what you should do.
Immediate Relief
- Cool compress: Apply a cool compress to your lips several times a day to bring down the swelling and heat.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated can help with healing.
Ongoing Care
- Moisturizing: Use a gentle, hydrating lip balm or lotion to keep your lips from drying out. Look for aloe vera, which can be very soothing. You may want to avoid products with a petrolatum base, as they can trap heat and prolong the burn.
- Pain Relief: Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications can help control the pain and swelling. Just be sure to follow the dosage instructions on the package.
What to Avoid
- Further Sun Exposure: Keep your lips out of the sun until they’re completely healed.
- Irritants: Avoid any harsh lip products or anything that could further irritate your lips.
- Popping Blisters: As tempting as it may be, don’t pop any blisters. Keep them intact to prevent infection.
Preventing Sunburn on Lips
When you’re outside enjoying the sunshine, it’s easy to forget that your lips are vulnerable to sun damage. Here are a couple of things you can do to protect them.
Lip Balm with SPF
Use a lip balm that’s rated SPF 30 or higher, and make sure it’s a broad-spectrum formula, meaning it protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
Apply the lip balm generously at least 15 minutes before you head out into the sun. Reapply often, especially after you eat, drink, swim, or sweat.
Protective Measures
Try to avoid being out in the sun during peak hours, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV radiation is at its strongest. If you’re going to be outside during those hours, wear a wide-brimmed hat to keep the sun off your face and lips.
Complications of Sunburned Lips
Sunburned lips aren’t just painful in the moment. They can also lead to other problems.
Cold Sores
If you’re prone to cold sores, a sunburn can trigger an outbreak. The stress that a sunburn puts on your lip can wake up the herpes simplex virus, which causes cold sores. Be sure you know the difference between sunburn symptoms and the signs of a cold sore.
Skin Cancer
Harsh or repeated sunburns can increase your risk of developing skin cancer, including melanoma, on your lips. Lip skin cancer may look like growths or sores that don’t heal.
It’s a good idea to check your lips regularly for any unusual changes or growths, and if you see something that concerns you, talk with a dermatologist.
Infection
If your sunburn caused blisters, those blisters can break open and become infected if you don’t care for them properly. Signs of infection include increased pain, swelling, redness, pus, or fever.
What makes sunburned lips more likely?
Anyone can get sunburned lips, but some people are more vulnerable than others. Some factors that increase your risk are:
- Skin tone: People with lighter skin are more susceptible to sunburns.
- Medications: Some medications can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
- Medical conditions: Certain conditions can make your skin more vulnerable.
- Location: You’re more likely to get burned at high altitudes or near surfaces that reflect sunlight, like water or snow.
When should I see a doctor?
Get medical care if:
- You have severe blistering or signs of infection.
- You suspect sun poisoning (fever, chills, nausea).
- You develop any unusual or persistent sores or growths on your lips.
In Summary
Sunburned lips are a common problem, but one that’s easy to avoid.
The key to preventing lip damage is using SPF lip balm religiously and avoiding too much direct sun exposure.
Pay attention to your lips and be proactive about keeping them healthy and protected. They’ll thank you for it!