Overview

Sunburn is a type of skin burn caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, usually from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. It happens when the amount of UV exposure is greater than what your skin's protective pigment, melanin, can handle. Anyone can get sunburned, regardless of skin tone, though people with lighter skin are at higher risk. Sunburn itself isn't contagious, but the discomfort can certainly impact your daily activities and sleep. Living with the pain and itch of a sunburn can be quite trying, and repeated sunburns increase the risk of other skin problems later in life.

Symptoms

You might notice a few different things if you have a sunburn. Here are some common signs:

• Redness: Your skin may look pink or very red, depending on the severity.
• Warmth or Hot to the Touch: The affected skin often feels noticeably warmer than other areas.
• Pain or Tenderness: Sunburned skin can be quite painful, even with light touch.
• Swelling: Some swelling may occur in the burned area.
• Small, fluid-filled blisters: These can appear hours or days later, especially with more severe burns.
• Itching: As the sunburn starts to heal, it can become very itchy.
• Peeling skin: This usually happens a few days after the initial burn as your skin tries to repair itself.
• In more severe cases, you might experience headache, fever, chills, or fatigue.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing a sunburn is usually straightforward. A doctor can typically identify a sunburn by looking at your skin and talking to you about your recent sun exposure. They'll ask how long you were in the sun and whether you used any sun protection. No special tests are usually needed unless there's a concern about a very severe burn or complications.

Management & Treatment

Most sunburns are mild and can be treated at home. The first and most important step is to get out of the sun and into a cool place.

For mild sunburns, the following home care strategies can provide relief:

• Cool the skin: Take a cool (not cold) bath or shower to help soothe the skin. Gently pat the skin dry, leaving it slightly damp.
• Moisturize: Apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer containing aloe vera or soy to the sunburned skin. This helps to soothe and hydrate the skin.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help rehydrate your body, as sunburns can draw fluid to the skin's surface.
• Over-the-counter pain relief: Consider taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) like ibuprofen or aspirin to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation.
• Leave blisters alone: If blisters form, do not pop them. They are your body's way of protecting the underlying skin and preventing infection.
• Treat peeling skin: As your skin begins to peel, continue to moisturize. Avoid picking at the peeling skin.

In cases of severe or widespread sunburn, or if you experience symptoms like high fever, extreme pain, or dehydration, it's important to seek medical attention. A doctor may prescribe a stronger corticosteroid cream to reduce inflammation or other treatments for more severe symptoms. If treatments at home are not providing relief after a few days, or if your symptoms worsen, it's time to see a doctor.

Duration & Outlook

A mild sunburn typically starts to feel better within a few days. The redness and pain often peak within 24-48 hours, and then the skin may start to peel after about 3 to 7 days. Most sunburns are acute, meaning they are temporary, but it's so important to remember that the damage to your skin cells can be long-lasting and cumulative. You should expect the skin to heal completely, but repeated sunburns significantly increase your risk of premature aging and skin cancer. Watch for warning signs like increasing pain, pus, or fever, as these could indicate an infection or a more severe burn needing medical attention.

Prevention

The best way to deal with sunburn is to prevent it from happening in the first place. I know it can be hard to remember every time, but your skin will thank you!

• Seek shade, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun's rays are strongest.
• Wear protective clothing, including wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses.
• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, and reapply it every two hours, or more often if swimming or sweating.
• Be extra cautious near water, snow, and sand, as they reflect the sun's damaging rays, increasing your chance of sunburn.

Causes & Triggers

Sunburn is caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, either from the sun's UVA and UVB rays or from artificial sources like tanning beds. The main trigger is simply spending too much time in UV light without adequate protection. Anyone can develop sunburn, but some people are more susceptible. Risk factors include:

• Having fair skin, light-colored hair, and blue or green eyes.
• Living or vacationing in sunny, warm climates or at high altitudes.
• Working outdoors.
• Not using sunscreen or protective clothing.
• Taking certain medications that make your skin more sensitive to the sun (photosensitizing medications).

When to see a doctor:

While many sunburns can be managed at home, there are times when it's important to see a doctor. Please seek medical attention if you notice:

• Severe blistering, especially if the blisters cover a large area of your body.
• Fever or chills accompanying the sunburn.
• Extreme pain that isn't relieved by over-the-counter pain relievers.
• Signs of dehydration, such as dizziness, dry mouth, or reduced urination.
• Signs of infection, like increased swelling, warmth, pus draining from blisters, or red streaks leading away from a blister.
• If a young child or infant gets sunburned, it's always best to consult a doctor. If you're ever unsure or worried about a sunburn, it's always a good idea to check in with a healthcare professional. They are there to help you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

• Can I get sunburned on a cloudy day? Yes, absolutely! Up to 80% of the sun's UV rays can pass through clouds, so it's important to use sun protection even when it's overcast.
• Is a tan a sign of healthy skin? No, a tan is actually a sign that your skin has been damaged by UV radiation. Your skin produces more melanin (the pigment that gives skin its color) in an attempt to protect itself from further damage.
• If I have dark skin, do I still need to worry about sunburn? Yes. While darker skin has more natural protection due to higher melanin levels, it can still burn. People with darker skin are also at risk for sun-induced skin damage and skin cancer, so sun protection is important for everyone.
• Does sunburn always lead to peeling? Not always. Mild sunburns might just cause redness and some discomfort without peeling. Peeling is more common with moderate to severe sunburns as the damaged skin cells shed.
• Can one bad sunburn cause skin cancer? While a single sunburn increases your risk, skin cancer usually develops due to an accumulation of sun damage over time. However, even one blistering sunburn in childhood or adolescence can more than double a person's chances of developing melanoma later in life. This is why consistent sun protection is so crucial.

Remember, taking care of your skin is a lifelong journey, and preventing sunburn is a big part of that. If you have any concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional.

References

• American Academy of Dermatology. (n.d.). How to treat sunburn. Retrieved from https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/injured-skin/burns/treat-sunburn
• Mayo Clinic. (2022, June 25). Sunburn: Diagnosis and treatment. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sunburn/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355928
• Cleveland Clinic. (2022, July 18). Sunburn. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21858-sunburn
• NHS. (2022, May 12). Sunburn. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sunburn/