Sunburn
Sunburn
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About
Sunburn
A sunburn is a burn on the skin caused by being unprotected in the sun’s rays for too long. A sunburn can be very serious, as it can lead to melanoma later in life.
Causes
A sunburn is caused by the body’s overproduction of melanin in the skin after being in the sun for too long or with no protection.
Risk Factors
Everyone who spends time in the sun is at risk for having a sunburn, but those with fair skin are more likely to burn. Those with darker skin may tan instead of burn. While there may be no pain or peeling along with the tan, the sun is still damaging the skin, and the skin can still develop melanoma. Some medications may also put a person more at risk for developing a sunburn.
Symptoms
A sunburn will result in pink or red skin that is warm to touch. The skin will also peel and blisters may form. Itching will usually accompany this, as well has aches, pain, nausea, fever, or chills.
A doctor should be able to diagnose a sunburn from an examination of the skin.
*Source:
American Academy of DermatologySkin Cancer FoundationMayo ClinicTreatment
Treatment
There are several treatments available to control the pain caused by sunburn. Pain relievers, aloe and other cooling gels, as well as cool compresses are all used to treat sunburn. However, there is no way to treat the damage done to the skin, only the pain caused by the sunburn.
Prevention
The only way to prevent sunburn is to protect the skin. Avoid being in the sun during the parts of the day where the sun is at its hottest. Apply sunscreen to all parts of the skin that will be exposed. Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours at the least.
