Sunburn
Sunburn is a skin condition resulting from excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, which can originate from the sun or artificial sources. It can occur even on cloudy days, as UV rays can penetrate through clouds and reflect off surfaces like water and sand. Symptoms of sunburn typically include red, swollen, and painful skin, which may also blister in severe cases. Additional symptoms can encompass chills, fever, nausea, and vomiting.
Effective treatment for sunburn involves cooling the affected areas with damp towels and applying soothing lotions such as aloe or baby lotion once swelling decreases. Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen can help manage discomfort. Preventative measures are crucial, particularly for individuals with fair skin or those taking certain medications that increase sensitivity to sunlight. Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen that is water-resistant and applying it regularly during sun exposure can significantly reduce the risk of sunburn. Awareness of the long-term risks associated with severe sunburn, particularly in childhood, is essential, as it can increase the likelihood of developing skin cancer later in life.
Sunburn
Anatomy or system affected: Skin
Definition: An inflammation of the skin produced by excessive exposure to the sun, sunlamps, or occupational light sources
Causes and Symptoms
Sunburn is caused by overexposure to ultraviolet light coming directly from the sun or from artificial lighting sources, as well as from reflected sunlight from snow, water, sand, and sidewalks. Scattered rays may also produce sunburn, even in the presence of clouds, haze, or thin fog. Symptoms include red, swollen, painful, and sometimes blistered skin, chills, and fever. In severe cases, nausea, vomiting, and even delirium may be present. Depending on the severity of the burn, tanning and peeling may occur during recovery.
Treatment and Therapy
To reduce the heat and pain of sunburn, towels or gauze dipped in cool water can be carefully laid on the burned areas. Once the skin swelling subsides, cold cream, aloe, or baby lotion can be applied to the affected areas. If the skin is blistered, a light application of petroleum jelly prevents anything from sticking to the blisters. Nonprescription drugs, such as acetaminophen, can be used to relieve pain and reduce fever. If necessary, a medical doctor can prescribe other pain relievers or cortisone drugs to relieve itching and aid healing.
Perspective and Prospects
A number of risk factors can greatly intensify the effects of sunburn, including such genetic factors as fair skin, blue eyes, and red or blond hair; the use of certain drugs, particularly sulfa drugs, tetracyclines, amoxicillin, or oral contraceptives; and exposure to industrial light sources, such as arc welders. For outdoor activities, sunscreen or sunblock preparation should be applied to exposed areas of the body. It is important to choose a sunscreen that offers water-resistant and broad-spectrum protection. Further, sunscreen needs to be reapplied throughout the period one is exposed to the sun. Baby oil, mineral oil, or cocoa butter offer no protection from the sun. Brilliant colored and white clothing that reflect the sun into the face should be avoided. Severe sunburn in childhood can lead to skin cancer later in life.
Bibliography
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Kenet, Barney, and Patricia Lawler. Saving Your Skin: Prevention, Early Detection, and Treatment of Melanoma and Other Skin Cancers. 2d ed. Chicago: Four Walls Eight Windows, 1998.
Lien, Anna. “Sunscreen and Your Morning Routine.” Johns Hopkins Medicine, www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/sunscreen-and-your-morning-routine. Accessed 21 July 2023.
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"Sunburn." MedlinePlus, May 13, 2011.