Better Health Channel
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
  • Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation can damage the skin and eyes and cause skin cancer, including dangerous melanoma.
  • Each time you expose your skin to UV radiation, you increase your risk of developing skin cancer.
  • You don’t have to be sunburnt to increase your risk of skin cancer.
  • Sunburn can start to occur in as little as 11 minutes and, depending on the severity, can take a few days or weeks to heal.
  • There is no cure for the symptoms of sunburn except time and patience.
  • Mild sunburn can be treated at home, but severe and blistered sunburn needs prompt medical attention.

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Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.

Reviewed on: 21-02-2024