SUNBURN

Sunburn is inflamed, painful skin that feels hot to the touch. It often appears within a few hours of being in the sun too long.

DEGREE OF SUNBURN

Sunburns are categorized based on the severity of skin damage. The two most common types of sunburn include:

First-degree sunburn: Damage to your skin’s outer layer. This usually heals on its own in a few days to a week. First-degree sunburn symptoms include:

  • Redness.
  • Skin feels hot or tight.
  • Pain or tenderness.
  • Blistering.
  • Swelling.
  • Peeling skin (after several days).

You may also experience:

Second-degree sunburnDamage to the inner layer of your skin (dermis). This may cause blistering. It can take weeks to heal and may need medical treatment.

In very rare cases, people might get a third-degree sunburn. This type of sunburn:

  • Severely damages all layers of your skin, including the fat layer beneath the skin.
  • May destroy nerve endings.
  • Requires emergency treatment.

Second-degree sunburn symptoms

  • Extremely red skin.
  • Blistering and swelling over a larger area.
  • Wet-looking skin.
  •  
  • White discoloration within the burn.

You may also experience symptoms of heat illness, including:

  • Confusion.
  • Dizziness.
  • Fast breathing.
  • Headache.
  • Muscle cramps.
  • Nausea.
  • Shivers.

Third-degree sunburn symptoms

  • Leathery-looking burn.
  • Numb skin.
  • White or dull skin colour
  • All of the above systemic heat illness symptoms including shock and/or heat stroke.

CAUSES

Sunburn is caused by exposure to two types of ultraviolet rays from the sun: UVA rays and UVB rays. Both types of rays can burn your skin.

Your chance of getting a sunburn increases depending on:

  • Amount of time you spend in the sun.
  • Certain medications you take, including antibiotics such as doxycycline and bactrim, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), retinoids, and heart medications such as diuretics.
  • The intensity of UV rays is affected by the time of day, cloud coverage, altitude, and closeness to the equator.
  • Ozone depletion, depending on where you are in the world.
  • Skin type and pigmentation including tanning, although anyone can get a sunburn.

RISK FACTORS

Risk factors for sunburn include:

  • Having white skin and red hair
  • Having a history of sunburn
  • Living or vacationing somewhere sunny, warm or at high altitude
  • Working outdoors
  • Swimming or spraying your skin with water or baby oil, as wet skin tends to burn more than does dry skin.
  • Mixing outdoor recreation and drinking alcohol
  • Regularly exposing unprotected skin to UV light from sunlight or artificial sources, such as tanning beds.
  • Taking a drug that makes you more likely to burn (photosensitizing medication).

PREVENTION

  • Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen every day to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Reapply every 90 minutes when outdoors and more often after swimming and sweating.
  • Avoid suntanning and tanning beds.
  • Be aware of your sun exposure when taking medications that increase your skin’s sensitivity.
  • Limit your sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are strongest.
  • See a dermatologist for annual skin cancer checks.
  • Use sunglasses that filter UV rays.
  • Wear protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and wide-brimmed hats.

DIAGNOSIS

A physical exam is usually used to diagnose sunburn. Your doctor may also inquire about your symptoms, current medications, UV exposure, and sunburn history.

If you get sunburned or have a skin reaction after only a short time in the sun, your doctor may recommend photo testing. To simulate the condition, small sections of skin are exposed to measured levels of UVA and UVB rays. If your skin reacts to phototesting, you are considered photosensitive to sunlight.

Treatment

Sunburns usually heal themselves in a couple of weeks. However, depending on the severity and location of the sunburn, the following may be recommended. Always talk with your healthcare provider for more information.

  • To alleviate pain and heat (skin is warm to the touch) caused by sunburn, take a cool (not cold) bath, or gently apply cool, wet compresses to the skin.
  • Take a pain reliever, such as aspirin (children and teenagers should never be given aspirin because of the danger of Reye syndrome), acetaminophen, or ibuprofen.
  • To rehydrate (add moisture to) the skin and help reduce swelling, apply topical moisturizing cream, aloe, or 1% hydrocortisone cream.
  • Stay in the shade until the sunburn is healed. Additional sun exposure will only increase the severity and pain of the sunburn.

If the sunburn is severe and blisters form, talk with your healthcare provider right away.

OUTLOOK

Sunburn occurs when UV rays cause skin damage. Sunburns on a regular basis can cause premature skin aging and skin cancer. Most sunburns may be treated at home, but more severe burns may require medical attention. Taking precautions to avoid sunburn can significantly lower your chances of skin damage and life-threatening problems.

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