Sunburn

Definition

Sunburn is caused to skin when it is burned by exposure to the sun or other ultraviolet light. It is a burn to living tissue such as skin or leaves produced by overexposure to ultraviolet radiation, commonly from the sun's rays. A similar burn can be produced by overexposure to other sources of ultraviolet such as from tanning lamps, or occupationally, such as from welding arcs.

Although, Exposure to solar radiations has the beneficial effect of stimulating the coetaneous synthesis of vitamin D and providing radiant warmth. Unfortunately, when the skin is subjected to excessive radiation in the ultraviolet range deleterious effects may occur. The most common is acute sunburn or solar erythema. Sunburn doesn't just happen in hot weather - reflection of light off the snow can also cause sunburn. Although a breeze, cloudy sky or swimming may make you feel cooler, the sunlight can still get through to damage your skin.

Causes of Sunburn

• Certain light-skinned and fair-haired people are at greater risk of sunburn injury.
• Prior recent sun exposure and prior skin injury are risks for sunburn, even in limited exposure to the sun. However, normal limited exposure to UV radiation produces beneficial vitamin D in the skin.
• UVA and UVB refer to different wavelengths in the light spectrum. UVB is more damaging to the skin especially for skin cancer. Both UVA and UVB are responsible for photoaging (premature aging of the skin and wrinkles) and sunburn. Tanning beds produce both UVA and UVB rays.
• Travel to the southern United States, regions close to the equator, and places at high altitudes all offer the unwary visitor an opportunity to be injured by sunburn.

Symptoms of Sunburn

• The skin becomes warm and it looks like the patient is having high temperature.
• After hours to day later the blisters develop on the body.
• The skin may swallow after the exposure to sun.
• The patient may feel fever and chill.
• The sunburn case may have pain and inflammation allover the body which has come in contact of sun light or ultraviolet rays.
• In starting the skin turns red after the exposure and feels irritated. The peak effects are noted at 12 to 24 hours.
• In severe cases patients may feel severe skin burning and blistering. May be massive fluid loss, electrolyte or infection.

Treatment of Sunburn

Treatment tips of Sunburn are following

• Cold creams and moisturizers will help reduce the pain associated with sunburn.
• Sun damage is permanent and irreversible. You should put on sun-screen or moisturizer with an SPF of 15 or higher everyday before leaving the house. Don't go overboard and try to avoid the sun completely.
• Sun exposure and sunbathing produce gradual skin damage even if sunburn is avoided. Ten to forty years can pass between the time of sun exposure and the time the skin shows signs of sun damage.
• The best treatment for most sunburns is time. More severe burns may be treated with burn ointments such as silvadene .
• A medicine called Indocin if taken soon after a sunburn will help reduce the pain, redness and swelling. Indocin is available from your doctor with a prescription.