Summer in Texas draws families to the pool, ballpark, and backyard — but it also sends thousands to the emergency room for an injury that’s easily preventable: sunburn.
“We see it every summer, without fail,” says Brian Mayer, DO, regional medical director for Methodist Legacy ER & Urgent Care and emergency medicine specialist on the medical staff at Methodist Southlake Medical Center. “People often underestimate the severity of sunburn.”
While most sunburns can be treated at home with a cool bath, cold compresses, and moisturizing lotion, some burns may require medical attention, Dr. Mayer says.
“Prolonged sun exposure can quickly lead to significant skin injury, severe blistering, and dehydration. In some cases, fever or other signs of heat-related illness can occur,” he says. “By the time those symptoms develop, it’s no longer something that can be safely managed at home, and medical evaluation may be necessary.”
Preventing a sunburn is still the best medicine, and sunscreen is a must. There’s good news on that front because the FDA just approved a new sunscreen ingredient that more effectively blocks the ultraviolet A rays that can cause cancer and premature aging (more on that in a moment).
UV RAYS AND HEAT
Sunburn-related ER visits climb every spring and summer, especially across the South. Locally, the UV index around Dallas-Fort Worth regularly hits 7 or higher from May through August, moving from “high” into “very high” exposure territory on many afternoons.
Add in the heat and humidity, and a normal day outside can turn into a medical emergency fast, especially for children and older adults, as well as anyone who works long shifts outdoors.
“It’s the combination that puts people at risk,” Dr. Mayer says. “You’re not just dealing with a sunburn — you’re also losing significant amounts of fluid in extreme heat. That combination can quickly lead to dehydration, heat-related illness, and a situation that requires medical attention.”
Sun protection isn’t just about avoiding a painful weekend. Research shows the effects of sunburn add up over time.
Each additional blistering sunburn before age 15 raises a person’s melanoma risk by about 3%. Another study found that five or more bad sunburns between ages 15 and 20 raise the risk of melanoma by 80%.
The takeaway from researchers is clear: There’s no “safe” number of childhood sunburns, and every burn and blister adds to the risk.
WHEN TO SEEK HELP
Most sunburns are uncomfortable but manageable at home with cool compresses, hydration, and over-the-counter pain relief, Dr. Mayer says. But he recommends coming in if you notice these red flags:
- Large blisters or blistering that covers a significant portion of the body
- A fever above 103°F, chills, or confusion
- Signs of dehydration, like dizziness or infrequent urination
- Any sunburn on an infant or very young child
“Don’t ignore symptoms or try to push through them,” Dr. Mayer warns. “We would much rather evaluate someone early, provide appropriate treatment, and prevent complications than have them wait until a sunburn or heat-related illness becomes significantly more serious.”
DON’T SKIP SUNSCREEN
Whether you’re at a ballgame, on the water, or working outside, sunscreen should be part of the plan every time.
Dr. Mayer encourages the use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen, SPF 30 or higher, and to reapply it often, along with a few other tips:
- Seek shade during peak UV hours, generally 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Wear a hat, sunglasses, and lightweight protective clothing.
- Stay hydrated, especially during outdoor activities in the heat.
- Check the daily UV index before heading out for extended periods.
In June, the FDA approved bemotrizinol, the first new sunscreen ingredient allowed in the U.S. in more than two decades. It’s been used safely in Europe and Asia for years, and it’s known for blocking UVA rays, the kind that drives premature aging and contributes to skin cancer, more effectively than ingredients currently available on U.S. shelves.
For now, Dr. Mayer says the fundamentals still apply. And if something ever feels off, Methodist Legacy ER & Urgent Care is here for you and your family.
“You don’t need to know exactly what’s wrong before seeking care,” Dr. Mayer says. “If you’re concerned about your symptoms, come see us. We’ll evaluate your condition, determine what’s causing it, and make sure you receive the appropriate treatment.”
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