Sunburn is the term for red, sometimes swollen and painful skin. It is caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. Sunburn can vary from mild to severe. The extent depends on skin type and amount of exposure to the sun. Sunburn is a serious risk factor for skin cancer and for sun damage.
Factors that increase your chance of sunburn include:
The symptoms of sunburn vary from person to person. You may not notice redness of the skin for several hours after the burn has begun. Peak redness will take 12-24 hours.
Symptoms include:
A mild sunburn does not often require a visit to the doctor. However, if you have any of the above symptoms, seek medical attention. The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. For more severe cases of sun damage, you may be referred to a doctor who specializes in skin disorders. Dermatologists focus on skin issues.
Treatment will vary depending on the severity of the sunburn. The first and most important step in treatment involves getting out of the sun at the first sign of redness or tingling. Stay out of the sun until the skin is fully healed. This may take several weeks.
In addition, you can do the following:
To prevent sunburn, you must shield your skin from the sun's rays.
Keep in mind that water is not a good filter. You can become sunburned while swimming or snorkeling. You can also become sunburned during the winter and on cloudy or foggy days.
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Dermatology
http://www.aad.org/
Skin Cancer Foundation
http://www.skincancer.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Dermatology Association
http://www.dermatology.ca/
Dermatologists.ca
http://www.dermatologists.ca/
References:
American Academy of Dermatology website. Available at: http://www.aad.org .
Faurschou A, Wulf HC. Topical corticosteroids in the treatment of acute sunburn: a randomized, double-blind clinical trial. Arch Dermatol . 2008 May;144(5):620-4.
Han A, Maibach HI. Management of acute sunburn. Am J Clin Dermatol . 2004;5:39-47.
Oliveria SA, Saraiya M, Geller AC, et al. Sun exposure and risk of melanoma. Arch Dis Child . 2006;91:131-8.
Sies H, Stahl W. Nutritional protection against skin damage from sunlight. Annu Rev Nutr . 2004:24:173-200.
Last reviewed January 2009 by Ross Zeltser, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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