Sunburn
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Medical Encyclopedia
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Sunburn
Illustrations
Burn from the sun
A sunburn occurs when skin is burned by
exposure to the sun or other ultraviolet light. See also sunburn
first aid.
Sunburn results when the amount of exposure
to the sun or other ultraviolet light source exceeds the ability of the body's
protective pigment, melanin,
to protect the skin. Sunburn in a very light-skinned person may occur in less
than 15 minutes of midday sun exposure, while a dark-skinned person may tolerate
the same exposure for hours.
It is now recognized that sunburn and sun
exposure should not be treated as insignificant. Deaths have resulted from acute
sun exposure, and significant temporary disability is experienced by millions of
sunburned people each year.
Unlike a thermal burn,
sunburn is not immediately apparent. By the time the skin starts to become
painful and red, the damage has been done. The pain is worst between 6 and 48
hours after sun exposure. In severe sunburns, blistering
of the skin may occur.
Swelling (edema
) of the skin, especially in the legs, is common. Toxins
are released with sunburn, and fever
is not uncommon. Skin peeling usually begins between three and eight days after
exposure.
The long-term consequences of years of
overexposure to the sun are significant. One blistering sunburn doubles the
likelihood of developing malignant
melanoma. Chronic
sun exposure causes premature wrinkling and aging of the skin. Age
spots (lentigo) are a result of sun exposure.
Skin cancer
(basal cell and squamous cell cancer) is directly related to the amount of sun
exposure (determined by skin pigmentation and hours in the sun). Finally, sun
exposure and ultraviolet damage have been implicated in the development of cataracts.
Very effective sunscreens have been developed
that protect from UVA and UVB (long and short wavelengths of ultraviolet light),
which are the components of sunlight responsible for burning and cancerous
changes in the skin.
Sunscreen, protective clothing, and
ultraviolet-protected sunglasses are all recommended to prevent excessive sun
exposure. Wearing a sunscreen with high sun protection factor (SPF) is
recommended. The higher SPF numbers indicate greater protection. Unfortunately,
there is no way to get a "safe tan" from the sun.
Sunburn is better prevented than treated.
Effective sunscreens are available in a wide variety of strengths. Most doctors
recommend a sunscreen SPF level of 30 or greater.
Sunscreen should be generously applied. If
out in the sun for a prolonged period of time during the day, wearing a hat and
other protective clothing is recommended. Light clothing reflects the sun most
effectively.
If you do get a sunburn:
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Try taking a cool shower or bath or placing wet, cold wash rags on the
burn.
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Avoid products that contain benzocaine, lidocaine, or petroleum (like
Vaseline).
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If blisters are present, dry bandages may help prevent infection.
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If your skin is not blistering, moisturizing cream may be applied to
relieve discomfort.
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Over the counter medications, like ibuprofen, may help to relieve pain
from sunburn. (Aspirin should be avoided in children who are running a
fever.)
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Call your health care provider if
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There is a fever with the sunburn
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Fluid-filled blisters, dizziness,
or visual difficulties accompany the sunburn
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What to expect at your health care provider's
office Return
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The medical history will be obtained and a
physical examination performed.
Medical history questions documenting sunburn
may include:
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When did it occur?
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How often does sunburn develop?
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Is the skin red?
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Are there blisters?
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How much of the body was sunburned?
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What medications are being taken?
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Do you use a sunblock or sunscreen? What type? How strong?
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Other
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What other symptoms are also present?
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Is there fever, dizziness, blisters, or vision problems?
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Update Date: 4/30/2005
Updated by: Jonathan Kantor, M.D., Department of
Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review
provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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