What is a sunburn?

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 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, a sunscreen or sunblock preparation should be applied to exposed areas of the body. 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. If tanning is a must, sun exposure should be limited to five to ten minutes on each side the first day, adding five minutes per side each additional day. Severe sunburn in childhood can lead to skin cancer later in life.

Bibliography

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Hellwig, Jennifer. "Sunburn." Health Library, March 15, 2013.

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.

Litin, Scott C., ed. Mayo Clinic Family Health Book. 4th ed. New York: HarperResource, 2009.

Siegel, Mary-Ellen. Safe in the Sun. New York: Walker, 1995.

"Sunburn." Mayo Clinic, April 14, 2011.

"Sunburn." MedlinePlus, May 13, 2011.