University University of RochesterA severe sunburn can be painful and more serious than many people realize. A “life-changing sunburn” is a phrase used to describe a severe sunburn, particularly one that causes blistering, because the damage it causes can have lifelong effects. For some types of skin cancer, even a single, severe, blistering sunburn can raise a person’s lifetime risk. A health care provider should evaluate severe sunburn, especially when there is extensive blistering, severe pain, fever, or other concerning symptoms. How to prevent sunburn and reduce skin cancer riskThe best way to prevent a life-changing sunburn is to protect skin from UV damage before it happens.