Related concepts:

Tanning, Radiation damage

Introduction to sunburn:

Even though skin cancer occurs in adults, the serious skin cancers are caused by the radiation damage (particularly the sunburns) that occurred in our youth. Similarly, adult cataracts can result from too much sun in the eyes during childhood.

What is sunburn?

Sunburn is visible radiation damage to the skin.

Most of the damage is caused by UVB radiation, although UVA radiation can also contribute to the damage. Radiation risk has increased greatly over the last twenty years.

Who gets sunburn?

Children are at the highest risk. More than half of a lifetime’s sun exposure usually happens during childhood.

The lighter the complexion, the greater the risk of radiation burns from the sun. Higher elevation also increases the risk. Some medicines also make the skin more susceptible to damage.

UV radiation reflects off of snow, sand, water, cement, and even grass, increasing the potential for damage. People often feel safer on a bright cloudy day, but significant sun damage can still occur.

What are the symptoms of sunburn?

In mild sunburn, the skin is red, hot and painful. Usually, the symptoms are noticed 6 hours or more after the first exposure and peak within 24 hours.

Moderate or severe sunburn often begins the same way, but continues to progress –often peaking in the second 24 hours. Symptoms may include radiation-induced blistering of the skin, nausea, fever, chills, headache, and even heat stroke.

Dehydration can result.

Is sunburn contagious?

No – although the behavior leading to sunburn is often contagious.

How long does sunburn last?

Mild sunburn usually lasts 3-5 days. Moderate or severe sunburn usually lasts at least several days longer.

The effects of each episode of this radiation damage, however, are long lasting. Each sunburn increases the risk of early wrinkles, premature aging, senile skin lesions, and skin cancers.

One of my college roommates met a tragic early death from malignant melanoma. He was a sports enthusiast who frequently spent hours unprotected in the sun -- he always had a tan. Unfortunately, he's not alone. The risk of developing malignant melanoma has more than tripled since 1980 -- from one in 250 to one in 71. A person dies every hour from melanoma in the US. Skin cancer was once a disease of the middle-aged and elderly, but it is becoming a disease of people in their 20's and 30's. The skin damage that will result in melanoma most often happens during childhood -- but kids have a hard time imagining 20 years in the future. It's our job as parents to protect them. Who would have guessed that a cool hat could be a lifesaving gift for our kids!

How is sunburn diagnosed?

Sunburn is diagnosed based on the history and physical exam.

How is sunburn treated?

The radiation damage from sunburn is irreversible. No treatment exists.

Cooling the skin and keeping it from drying out can prevent further damage. Thus, cool compresses are the first line of treatment. Brief, lukewarm Aveeno baths may also be helpful. This can be followed by an alcohol-free moisturizer cream or lotion. Vitamin E or Aloe can be helpful ingredients.