Thermoregulatory responses during cold-water immersion (water temperature 22 degrees C) were compared in 10 young men before as well as 24 h and 1 wk after twice the minimal erythemal dose of ultraviolet-B radiation that covered approximately 85% of the body surface area. After 10 min of seated rest in cold water, the mean exercised for 50 min on a cycle ergometer (approximately 51% of maximal aerobic power). Rectal temperature, regional and mean heat flow (hc), mean skin temperature from five sites, and hearrt rate were measured continuously for all volunteers while esophageal temperature was measured for six subjects. Venous blood samples were collected before and after cold water immersion. The mean skin temperature was higher (P less than 0.05) throughout the 60-min cold water exposure both 24 h and 1 wk after sunburn compared with before sunburn. Mean hc was higher (P less than 0.05) after 10 min resting immersion and during the first 10 min of exercise when 24 h postsunburn was compared with presunburn, with the difference attributed primarily to higher hc from the back and chest. While rectal temperature and heart rate did not differ between conditions, esophageal temperature before immersion and throughout the 60 min of cold water immersion was higher (P less than 0.05) when 24 h postsunburn was compared with presunburn. Plasma volume increased (P less than 0.05) after 1 wk postsunburn compared with presunburn, whereas plasma protein concentration was reduced (P less than 0.05). After exercise cortisol was greater (P less than 0.05) 24 h postsunburn compared with either presunburn or 1 wk postsunburn.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)