Sunburn
Introduction
Sunburn is a type of radiation burn that affects living tissue, such as skin, which is caused by an overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, usually from the sun. It can occur in less than 15 minutes, but the harm is often not immediately noticeable. After the exposure, skin may turn red in as little as 30 minutes but most often takes 2 to 6 hours. Pain is usually most extreme 6 to 48 hours after exposure. The burn continues to develop for 24 to 72 hours, occasionally followed by peeling skin in 3 to 8 days. Some peeling and itching may continue for several weeks.
Causes
Sunburn is caused by UV radiation, either from the sun or from artificial sources, such as sunlamps or tanning beds. The UV radiation can cause damage to the DNA in the skin cells, leading to skin cancer in some cases. The intensity of UV radiation varies by the time of day and year, with levels highest at noon and during the summer months. UV radiation is also more intense in areas closer to the equator and at higher altitudes.
Symptoms
The primary symptom of sunburn is red or reddish skin that is painful to the touch. Other symptoms can include swelling, itching, and blistering. More severe cases of sunburn can result in extreme redness, blistering, and symptoms of second-degree burns. Sunburned skin can peel several days after the sunburn. This peeling may be accompanied by itching. Additionally, severe sunburns can lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke, which is a medical emergency.
Prevention
Prevention of sunburn is important to reduce the risk of skin cancer. This can be achieved by limiting sun exposure and wearing protective clothing. It is recommended to avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun's rays are strongest. A broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 should be applied generously and frequently. Other effective preventive measures include wearing sun hats and sunglasses, and avoiding sun tanning and tanning beds.
Treatment
The primary treatment for sunburn is to avoid further exposure to the sun until the skin has healed. Over-the-counter pain relievers may be used to reduce pain and inflammation. Topical corticosteroids may also be beneficial in reducing inflammation, and aloe vera may provide a soothing effect. For severe sunburns, oral corticosteroids may be prescribed. It is also important to stay hydrated as sunburn draws fluid to the skin surface and away from the rest of the body.
Complications
Sunburn can cause long-term damage to the skin. This damage can lead to premature aging of the skin and skin cancer. In fact, sunburn in childhood can increase the risk of developing melanoma later in life. Other potential complications include infection, if blisters form and are scratched or burst, and eye damage, known as photokeratitis, if the eyes are exposed to excessive UV radiation.