Sunburn

An overview of sunburn, its causes, symptoms, and treatments

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Various sunburn treatment practices.

Severe sunburn can cause blistering of the skin.

Diagram showing direct DNA damage caused by UV radiation.

Graph showing UV diurnal erythemal dose rate per latitude.

Sunburn is a form of radiation burn that affects living tissue, such as skin, that results from an overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, commonly from the sun. It is characterized by red, painful skin that may peel or blister in severe cases. Sunburn is a significant risk factor for skin cancer, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.

Causes

Sunburn is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun. There are two types of UV radiation that affect the skin: UVA and UVB. UVB is more likely to cause sunburn, while UVA penetrates deeper into the skin and contributes to photoaging and skin cancer.

Symptoms

The symptoms of sunburn can vary depending on the severity of the exposure. Common symptoms include:

• Redness and inflammation of the skin
• Pain and tenderness
• Swelling
• Blistering in severe cases
• Peeling of the skin as it heals

Pathophysiology

Sunburn occurs when the amount of UV radiation exceeds the protective capacity of the skin's melanin. UV radiation causes direct damage to the DNA in skin cells, leading to apoptosis and an inflammatory response. This damage can also lead to mutations that increase the risk of skin cancer.

Prevention

Preventing sunburn involves minimizing exposure to UV radiation. This can be achieved by:

• Wearing protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts and wide-brimmed hats
• Applying sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF)
• Seeking shade, especially during peak sun hours
• Wearing sunglasses that block UV rays

Treatment

Treatment for sunburn focuses on relieving symptoms and supporting the skin's healing process. Common treatments include:

• Cool baths or showers to soothe the skin
• Moisturizers or aloe vera gel to hydrate the skin
• Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to reduce pain and inflammation
• Drinking plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration

Complications

Severe sunburn can lead to complications such as:

• Heat exhaustion or heat stroke
• Infection of blisters
• Increased risk of skin cancer

Also see

• Skin cancer
• Sunscreen
• Ultraviolet radiation
• Photoaging

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