Sunburn

Sunburn is the term for red, sometimes swollen and painful skin, which occurs from overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. Sunburn can vary from mild to severe, depending on skin type and amount of exposure to the sun. Sunburn is a serious risk factor for skin cancer and for sun damage such as wrinkles.

Causes

Sunburn is caused by overexposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun.

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
  • Exposure to the sun
  • Light skin color
  • Certain medications that may increase your sensitivity to the sun, such as antibiotics or oral contraceptives

Symptoms

The symptoms of Sunburn may vary from person to person. You may not notice redness of the skin for several hours after the burn has begun. Peak redness will take 8-24 hours.
Symptoms include:

  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Pain
  • Blisters
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Weakness
  • Symptoms of shock, including:
    • Low blood pressure
    • Fainting
    • Extreme weakness (in rare and serious cases)

Diagnosis

A mild Sunburn does not usually require a visit to the doctor. However, if you have severe symptoms, seek medical attention. The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. For more severe cases of sun damage, you may be referred to a doctor who specializes in skin disorders (dermatologist).

Treatment

Treatment will vary depending on the severity of the sunburn. The first and most important step in treatment involves getting out of the sun at the first sign of redness or tingling and staying out of the sun until the skin is fully healed, which may take several weeks.
In addition, you can do the following:
  • Apply cold water compresses to soothe raw, hot skin.
  • Take over-the-counter anti-inflammatories or prescription medication containing corticosteroids to reduce pain and inflammation.
  • Take prescription antibiotics if an infection develops.
  • Be extra careful to protect skin after it peels. The skin is very sensitive after peeling.

Prevention

To prevent Sunburn you must shield your skin from the suns rays.
  • Avoid strong, direct sunlight.
  • Choose a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 that filters out both UVA and UVB rays.
  • Apply sunscreen liberally and frequently to all exposed skin, including the lips.
  • Wear protective, tightly woven clothing, as well as a broad-rimmed hat and sunglasses.
Keep in mind that water is not a good filter and you can become sunburned while swimming or snorkeling. You can also become sunburned during the winter and on cloudy or foggy days.