An overview of Sunburn

Sunburn is skin damage from too much exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. UV light from artificial sources such as tanning beds can also burn your skin. A sunburn is actually a radiation burn to your skin.

Multiple sunburns can lead to premature skin aging and skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the U.S.

You can minimize your risk of sunburn by taking steps to protect your skin. It’s important to pay attention to your sun exposure when you spend any amount of time outdoors.

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.

Second-degree sunburn: Damage 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.

Taking medication that makes you more sensitive to UV rays rarely leads to a third-degree sunburn. Or it could happen if you fall asleep in the sun for many hours near the equator. But most third-degree burns result from a chemical burn or fire.

You already know the simple explanation behind sunburn. When your skin is exposed to the sun for a period of time, eventually it burns, turning red and irritated.

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.

1. Amount of time you spend in the sun.

2. Certain medications you take, including antibiotics such as doxycycline and bactrim, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), retinoids and heart medications such as diuretics.

3. Skin type and pigmentation including tanning, although anyone can get a sunburn.

4. Ozone depletion, depending on where you are in the world.

5. Intensity of UV rays, affected by the time of day, cloud coverage, altitude and closeness to the equator.

1. Inflamed skin, which looks pink or red on white skin and may be harder to see on brown or Black skin.

2. Skin that feels warm or hot to the touch.

3. Pain, tenderness and itching.

4. Swelling.

5. Eyes that feel painful or gritty

6. Small, fluid-filled blisters, which may break

7. Headache, fever, nausea and fatigue, if the sunburn is severe

You can prevent sunburn and lessen your risk of sun damage. Steps you can take include:

1. 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.

2.Avoid suntanning and tanning beds.

3. Wear protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts, long pants and wide-brimmed hats.

4. Use sunglasses that filter UV rays.

5. Limit your sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are strongest.

6. Be aware of your sun exposure when taking medications that increase your skin’s sensitivity.

7. See a dermatologist for annual skin cancer checks.

Your healthcare provider can evaluate the seriousness of your sunburn. They look at the amount of affected skin, type of sunburn and your symptoms. Then they can recommend the appropriate treatment.

Sunburns often go away on their own within a few days to a week. If you have severe blistering or dehydration, your provider may give you rehydrating fluids.

If you have a third-degree sunburn, you may need a skin graft. A surgeon removes dead skin and transfers healthy skin from elsewhere on your body. These burns take weeks or longer to heal and also have severe complications.

You can treat most first and second degree sunburns by yourself at home. Steps you can take include:

1. Cover your sunburned skin while it heals, especially when outside.

2. Drink water to avoid dehydration.

3. Leave blisters alone until they heal. And don’t peel skin — let it come off on its own.

4. Take a cool bath or shower. Try a bath with oatmeal or baking soda to soothe sore skin.

5. Take NSAIDs for pain relief.

6.Use topical cooling and hydrating gels, creams and ointments, including hydrocortisone cream, aloe vera gel or petrolatum jelly.

Risk factors for sunburn include:

1. Having a history of sunburn

2. Living or vacationing somewhere sunny, warm or at high altitude Working outdoors

3. Having white skin and red hair

4. Working outdoors

5. Swimming or spraying your skin with water or baby oil, as wet skin tends to burn more than does dry skin

6. Mixing outdoor recreation and drinking alcohol

7. Regularly exposing unprotected skin to UV light from sunlight or artificial sources, such as tanning beds

8. Taking a drug that makes you more likely to burn (photosensitizing medication)