Sunburn

What Causes Sunburn?

The underlying cause of sunburn is excessive exposure to UV light. UV light can be divided into two categories: UVA and UVB. UVA penetrates the deep layers of skin and contributes to long-term skin damage, while UVB affects the superficial layers and is the primary cause of sunburn. The skin’s immune response to UV damage involves increased blood flow to the affected area, resulting in inflammation or erythema.

Symptoms and Complications

Common symptoms of sunburn include:

• Inflamed skin appearing pink or red on white skin
• Pain, tenderness, and itching
• Swelling and fluid-filled blisters
• Headache, fever, nausea, and fatigue in severe cases

Complications can extend beyond immediate symptoms. Repeated sunburn episodes increase the risk of skin damage, premature aging, precancerous skin lesions, and skin cancer.

Prevention and Treatment

Preventing sunburn is crucial for long-term skin health. Even on cloudy or cool days, UV exposure is only reduced by approximately 20%. Effective preventive measures include:

• Avoiding sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Using sunscreen generously and frequently
• Wearing protective clothing and sunglasses
• Being cautious around reflective surfaces like water, snow, and sand

For treatment, self-care measures like applying cold compresses, taking pain relievers, and using moisturizers can alleviate symptoms. However, severe sunburn may require medical attention.