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Sunburn

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Burns Sun protection Skin cancer, melanoma on the fingernail Skin cancer, close-up of lentigo maligna melanoma Skin cancer, close-up of level III melanoma Skin cancer, close-up of level IV melanoma Skin cancer, melanoma superficial spreading Sunburn

Overview Treatment

Sunburn

Definition:

A sunburn occurs when skin is burned by exposure to the sun or other ultraviolet light. See also sunburn first aid.

Alternative Names:
Burn from the sun

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Common Causes:

Sunburn results when the amount of exposure to the sun or other ultraviolet light source exceeds the ability of the body's protective pigment, melanin, to protect the skin. Sunburn in a very light-skinned person may occur in less than 15 minutes of midday sun exposure, while a dark-skinned person may tolerate the same exposure for hours.

It is now recognized that sunburn and sun exposure should not be treated as insignificant. Deaths have resulted from acute sun exposure, and significant temporary disability is experienced by millions of sunburned people each year.

Unlike a thermal burn, sunburn is not immediately apparent. By the time the skin starts to become painful and red, the damage has been done. The pain is worst between 6 and 48 hours after sun exposure. In severe sunburns, blistering of the skin may occur.

Swelling (edema ) of the skin, especially in the legs, is common. Toxins are released with sunburn, and fever is not uncommon. Skin peeling usually begins between three and eight days after exposure.

The long-term consequences of years of overexposure to the sun are significant. One blistering sunburn doubles the likelihood of developing malignant melanoma. Chronic sun exposure causes premature wrinkling and aging of the skin. Age spots (lentigo) are a result of sun exposure.