In brief: Many people suffer the agonies of sunburn, sometimes repeatedly. Acute sunburn, characterized by erythema, edema, and at times blister formation, usually peaks within 12 to 24 hours after exposure, gradually subsides, and is followed by hyperpigmentation and peeling. Chronic sun damage, which leads to dry, leathery, wrinkled skin, frequently results in the growth of precancerous actinic keratoses. If enough damage occurs, skin cancers may appear. These must be treated and removed. However, the best treatment for sunburn damage is prevention.