Sunburn

Sunburn results from overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. There are two types of UV rays that can damage skin. Ultraviolet A (UVA) rays are less likely to cause sunburn, but they penetrate deep into the skin and can cause long-term damage. Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays are the main rays that burn your skin and cause changes in the DNA of skin cells that can lead to cancer.

Frequent overexposure to the sun can cause long-term damage to the skin, resulting in premature aging, wrinkling, actinic keratoses and skin cancer (basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma). A single sunburn in children may be a critical event that sets the stage for development of melanoma in later life. 

Symptoms

First-degree sunburn symptoms include redness, sensitivity and pain. Longer exposure can lead to the swelling and blistering of a second-degree burn.

Self-Care Steps for Sunburn

Sunburn is usually uncomfortable for 24 to 48 hours. If you have sunburn, stay out of the sun until your skin recovers, and try these suggestions to relieve symptoms:

• The best treatment for sunburn is to soak the affected area in cold water (not ice water) or apply cold compresses for 15 minutes. This will reduce swelling and provide quick pain relief.

• If sunburn affects large areas of your body, soak in a cool bath. Half a cup of cornstarch, oatmeal or baking soda in the bath will help reduce inflammation and soothe sunburned skin.

• Adults who do not have stomach problems or a history of allergy to aspirin or aspirin-type products can usually take aspirin or ibuprofen to reduce inflammation. Burns, including sunburns, increase the risk of bleeding in the stomach, however. If you have a large area of second-degree burn, check with your health care provider before taking aspirin or ibuprofen, because either can cause bleeding in the stomach.

• Fever may be present with a sunburn, particularly a second-degree burn, and can be treated with aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

Preventive Care for Sunburn

• Sunburn can be prevented by avoiding too much sun, particularly between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and in midsummer. Sunscreens and sun-blocking lotions protect by filtering out the UVA and UVB rays that cause sunburn. A broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15 is recommended. Make sure you apply a sufficient amount of sunscreen thoroughly to all exposed skin, so you don't leave unprotected areas that can burn. An adult should use enough sunscreen to fill a shot glass (about two tablespoons) to cover arms, legs, neck and face. If you are using insect repellant or other lotions, apply the sunscreen first.

• For the best protection from sunburn, apply sunscreen 20 to 30 minutes before you go outside. Apply it to dry skin, and reapply after swimming or after activities that make you sweat. Reapply sunscreen often if you're outside for a long period, at least every two hours, or as directed on the container.

• The sun's rays are more intense at higher altitudes, nearer the equator, on the water and in snow, and can be reflected by sand, cement, water and snow. Protect yourself with sunscreen. Thickly applied zinc oxide products block all the sun's rays and are good for protecting the nose.

• Do not use sunlamps and tanning beds. They damage the skin, despite what tanning-salon owners and employees might tell you.

• Use sunscreen even on cloudy days.

• Use lip balm with the sunscreen PABA or zinc oxide to prevent sunburned lips, wear UV-opaque sunglasses to protect your eyes, and be sure to apply sunscreen around eyes, ears, mouth, and any bald or thinning areas on your head.

• UV rays can penetrate through loosely woven clothing and beach umbrellas, so wear sunscreen even when using these other forms of sun protection. Also, look for the sun-protective clothing that's now available, including shirts, pants and hats for adults and children.

• Some medications can make you more sensitive to the sun. These medications cause you to burn with little exposure to the sun. Before starting a medication, ask your doctor or pharmacist about the possible reactions to sunlight. Medications that react to sunlight include doxycycline and sulfa antibiotics.

• Over-the-counter medications and herbal medications such as St. Johns Wort can also cause increased sensitivity to sun, so carefully read the labels of any non-prescription or herbal medications you plan to take.

Prevention for Children

• Keep infants younger than 6 months of age out of direct sunlight, if possible, and do not use sunscreen. If your child must be in the sun, discuss the use of sunscreen with your physician.

• Infants older than 6 months should be kept out of the sun or have limited exposure to the sun and wear sunscreen.

• Children should use a sunscreens with a minimum SPF of 15 that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Avoid alcohol-based sunscreens and those with PABA, because they can cause irritation.

• Children should wear hats when in the sun.

• Be especially careful with children who have light skin and hair, because their skin burns more easily.

• Children in strollers should wear sunscreen, because stroller trays can reflect the sun's rays. Redheads require extreme protection, as exposure to even small amounts of UV light causes more DNA damage than in darker pigmented children.

Sunscreen Facts

• The SPF indicates the amount of time the sunscreen provides protection. If the skin would normally begin to redden after 10 minutes in the sun, the same amount of redness would be seen in 150 minutes if a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 had been applied. Reapplication doesn't increase the time allowed in the sun before burning.

• Sunscreen should protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Many of today's best products contain an ingredient called parsol 1789 or avobenzone.

• Do not confuse sunscreen, which blocks the sun's rays, with sun lotions or oils, which mainly lubricate and can enhance the sun's rays. Self-tanning creams also do not protect against sunburn, although they are an excellent way to get a tan safely.