What Causes the ‘Burning’ Feeling When We Get a Sunburn?

When we get a sunburn, it feels like our skin is on fire because the sun’s invisible rays called UV light hurt our skin cells. These rays make the skin red and hot, just like when you touch something very hot. The body sends signals to the brain that say, 'This is really hot!' and we feel a burning pain.

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Examples

  1. Getting a sunburn after playing outside on a hot day feels like touching a stove burner.
  2. Your skin turns red and painful, as if it's been boiling in water.
  3. It's like your skin is being cooked by invisible rays from the sun.

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