The summer solstice, the longest day of the year and the official first day of summer in the northern hemisphere, is not until June 20. However, signs of summer's approach can already be found.
No matter how cold or cloudy the April weather may be, the sun's intensity is increasing daily, meaning that sunburn risk is increasing, too. Even in April, one does not have to remain outside long before the skin begins to burn: skin injury can occur after just 30 minutes of sun exposure.
Sunburn is the body's reaction to DNA damage caused by excess ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation. Sunburn symptoms generally include red skin that is hot to the touch, dizziness, and fatigue. More severely sunburned skin might blister, too. In some cases, sunburn is also accompanied by flu-like symptoms such as chills, fever, nausea, and vomiting.
One of the dangers of sunburn is that its effects are not immediately felt. Skin begins to feel irritated and turn red 2-6 hours after sun exposure, while sunburn symptoms generally peak 12-24 hours after exposure. Skin loss, marked by peeling of the burned skin, happens 4-7 days after the burn occurred.
In severe cases of sun overexposure, sun poisoning can occur. Sun poisoning is marked by skin burns and blisters, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and infection. Sun poisoning can lead to death.
Proximity to the equator, sun exposure at high altitudes, and a fair complexion increase sunburn risk.

Treating sunburn
Home remedies such as making a compress of equal parts milk and water, or taking a cool shower may soothe burned skin. Store-bought aloe lotions can also dull burning sensations.
While sunburned, one should avoid additional sun exposure. Once skin is damaged by the sun, it re-burns much faster than healthy skin. Additionally, one should not further irritate sunburned skin by scrubbing or shaving.

Long-term effects
Sunburn's effects do not end once the burn has peeled. In fact, effects of sun overexposure can be experienced many years later.
One long-term effect of ultraviolet radiation is increased skin aging. UVA, UVB, and UVC rays - most of which are filtered by the earth's atmosphere - age skin by damaging collagen fibers and destroying vitamin A. UVA ages skin at the fastest rate.
The DNA damage caused by repeated exposure to ultraviolet light can also cause cancer. UVB is associated with moles, basal-cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma, while UVA has been linked to the most deadly form of skin cancer, malignant melanoma. Carcinomas are less deadly because they are much less likely to metastasize.

Avoiding sunburn
By taking a few simple steps, one can avoid the hassles and long-term damage of sunburn altogether. Avoiding the sun, be it by sitting in the shade or keeping skin covered with lightweight clothes or a large-brimmed hat, is the simplest way to prevent sunburn.
Properly-applied suntan lotion also keeps damaging UV rays at bay. The higher a lotion's SPF value, the more the lotion protects skin from solar radiation. However, caution must be exercised since not all lotions protect skin from both UVA and UVB radiation.
Caution should be taken even on overcast days, since the sun's UV radiation might actually become amplified by the clouds.