Sunburn - Symptoms & Treatment

Sunburn is an acute cutaneous inflammatory reaction that follows excessive exposure of the skin to ultraviolet radiation. Sunburn is literally a burn on your skin. It is a burn from ultraviolet  radiation. The consequence of this burn is inflammation of the skin. Almost everyone has been sunburned or will become sunburned at some time. Anyone who visits a beach, goes fishing, works in the yard, or simply is out in the sun can get sunburn. Improper tanning bed use is also a source of sunburn. Sunburn can be life-threatening and is a leading cause of skin cancer. Sunburn can easily be prevented through the use of sunscreen, clothing, and by limiting solar exposure, especially during the middle of the day. Sunburn normally only affects the outer most layer of our skin and in extreme and repeat prolonged sun exposure may result in secondary burns and blistering. Ultraviolet light causes changes in the surface and in the deeper layers of the skin. It reduces the stretchiness of the skin and can cause premature aging and wrinkling of the skin, as well as the formation of age spots. Some other symptoms of sunburn are fever, chill, nausea, vomiting, rash, flu and skin loss.

Certain light-skinned and fair-haired people are at greater risk of sunburn injury. Severe sunburn should not be taken lightly, it can cause skin cancer which may even lead to death or permanent disability. Remember skin damage caused by the sun exposure is accumulative. Antiseptic soap, after-shave lotion, and colognes increase the chance of sunburn. Minor sunburns typically cause nothing more than slight redness and tenderness to the affected areas. In more serious cases blistering can occur. Extreme sunburns can be painful to the point of debilitation and may require hospital care. Sunburn doesn't just happen in hot weather - reflection of light off the snow can also cause sunburn. Although a breeze, cloudy sky or swimming may make you feel cooler, the sunlight can still get through to damage your skin. Sunscreen, protective clothing, and ultraviolet-protected sunglasses are all recommended to prevent excessive sun exposure. Wearing a sunscreen with high sun protection factor is recommended. Light clothing reflects the sun most effectively.

Causes of Sunburn

Ultraviolet light causes changes in the surface and in the deeper layers of the skin. It reduces the stretchiness of the skin and can cause premature aging and wrinkling of the skin, as well as the formation of age spots. The skin is more exposed to scorching sun while working outdoors, swimming, skiing, and hiking and hence chances of sunburn increase. Certain factors like consumption of birth control pills and antibacterial agents used in soaps make our skin more prone to sunburn.

Common causes and risk factors of Sunburn:

• Prior recent sun exposure.
• Ultra violet rays.
• Certain light-skinned and fair-haired people are at greater risk of sunburn injury.
• Skin injury.
• Antiseptic soap, after-shave lotion, and colognes increase the chance of sunburn. 

Signs and Symptoms of Sunburn

The symptoms of sunburn take some time to appear, it tends to become apparent some time after exposure, this is why time spent sunbathing should be limited and built up gradually. Some more severe symptoms of sunburn are fever, chill, nausea, vomiting, rashes and flu like symptoms. Ultraviolet light causes changes in the surface and in the deeper layers of the skin. It reduces the stretchiness of the skin and can cause premature aging and wrinkling of the skin, as well as the formation of age spots. Deeper in the skin, it causes changes in the structure of cells, and increases the risk of skin cancers.

Sign and symptoms may include the following :

• Dehydration may occur.
• Fever like symptoms in severe sunburn cases.
• Vomiting and Nausea.
• Chills.
• Pain and tenderness at exposed skin areas.
• Swelling of the skin.

Treatment for Sunburn

There is no immediate cure for sunburns, but the pain can be relieved by hydrating the skin. Avoid direct sunlight by covering up and staying in the shade, until the sunburn has healed. Drink plenty of fluids to replace the water lost through sweating in the sun, and to cool down. Don't drink alcohol because it will dehydrate you further. For mild sunburn, apply a moisturising lotion or a special aftersun cream from a pharmacy. Aftersun helps to cool the skin as well as moisturising and relieving the feeling of tightness. Calamine lotion can also be used to relieve itching and soreness.

Treatment may include:

• Medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen are useful, especially when started early.
• For mild sunburn, cool compresses with equal parts of milk and water may suffice.
• Avoid lotions that contain topical anesthetic medications because you can become sensitized and then allergic to that medicine.
• Vitamin A, C and E containing creams have a beneficial effect on the sunburned areas.
• Use a light moisturizer or a dusting of powder to ease chafing.