Sarah, a 30-year-old fair-skinned woman, had spent a sunny day at the beach with minimal sun protection. She thought that her skin was not light enough to get burned. She applied sunscreen only once in the whole day. By evening, severe sunburn with severe shoulder and back pain which were systemically occurring symptoms such as chills and nausea had already set in. This case demands a better understanding of the dangers of sunburn and how to take preventive measures.
What is Sunburn?
Sunburn refers to an acute inflammatory reaction of the skin due to UV radiation from the sun, mainly. Sunburns turn red, painful, and swollen but may vary anywhere from a mild bad sunburn with stinging for several days to so severe that blisters form. It is a result of damage done to the DNA of skin cells that leads to inflammation and the phenomenological signs and symptoms of sunburn.
Why Sunburn Happens
Sunburn is that process wherein the skin absorbs UV radiation from the sun which results in cellular damage, albeit at a molecular level. The body will respond to this damage by mounting a defense mechanism of its immune system that reacts to the area of contact with more blood; as such, one experiences redness and warmth on the skin, which are signs of inflammation.
Various factors contribute to the severity of sunburn. Many environmental conditions determine the level of UV radiation, such as geographical location, altitude, and time of day; for instance, UV levels are stronger during midday. Another critical factor is exposure time; the longer someone spends outside in full sunlight without adequate protection, the higher the chances of severe burning.
Individual skin types can also foretell the chance of burning up from the sun. Since individuals who have blonde hair, freckles, or fair skin, have less melanin in them, which is like a natural sunscreen, they are burned up quickly. More melanin often provides better protection for a person, but with darker skin, this protection does not prevent sun damage. Apart from environmental factors, individual characteristics such as predisposition or genetic history and previous sun exposure experience affect the way one’s skin responds to UV radiation and its capacity to recover after damage. It is only through the knowledge of such factors that the required precautions to avoid sunburning and maintaining healthy skin can be taken.
Harmful Effects of Sun Exposure on the Skin
The most frequent offender is ultraviolet radiation, which is generated by the sun. It can be divided further into two major categories: UVA and UVB rays.
UVA and UVB Radiation
UVA Radiation happens when the deeper layers of the skin, the dermis, is exposed to UVA Rays. This would be about skin aging which results in wrinkles, fine lines, and elasticity. Except for the aging effect, UVA is also a carcinogen for some types of skin cancers, so it is a menace to the skin’s long-term health.
– UVB Rays: Still, in other circumstances, UVB radiation has a shorter wave band than UVA radiation but results in sunburn. They get to the epidermis, which is a layer in the skin. There, they directly damage the skin’s DNA and lead to inflammation and redness, hence the pain of sunburn. UVB rays also contribute to the causation of skin cancer, especially in prolonged and unprotected exposure.
Sunburn Risk Factors
The following are some of the risk factors that heighten the chances of developing sunburn in a person:
– Skin Type: Those people whose skin is not dark, especially those having light hair and light eyes, have low levels of melanin and are likely to suffer from sunburn.
– Time of Day: These rays are strongly felt in the middle of the day – from 10 AM to 4 PM; it is for this reason that exposure during this period significantly fuels the chances.
– Altitude: Higher altitude equates to more UV exposure because of a thinner atmosphere.
– Reflection: Water, sand, and snow are other surfaces that can reflect UV rays, thus increasing your exposure even when not directly in the sunlight.
Also Read : How To Increase Melanin In Skin Naturally
Symptoms of Sunburn
Early Indications of Sunburn (Redness and Pain)
Within some hours after sun exposure, the initial symptoms of sunburning begin to manifest. The most obvious signs are as follows.
– Redness: The skin-affected areas become red and warm to the touch. Redness is one of the most obvious signs of irritation and damage to the skin.
– Pain: Skin may become increasingly sensitive, giving a dull ache or sharp pain. This soreness can make even light contact feel uncomfortable, signaling that the skin is in distress.
Severe Symptoms of Blisters, Swelling, and Peeling Skin
The effects of sunburn are usually generally more pronounced in severe cases.
– Blisters: Some fluid-filled vesicles on the surface of the sunburned skin may show up. The blisters vary in size and are commonly painful. They form an effective protective layer that serves to protect against further damage to those affected areas.
– Swelling: The inflamed parts may swell, resulting in one feeling puffy and sensitive around the area of the sunburn. This swelling is what your body does to react to its damage and may hamper or discomfort mobility.
–Shedding Skin: About three days following the initial burn, the new skin will begin to peel off in what should be a normal healing process. The peeling is often unsightly, and the new sensitive skin underneath will need protection as it heals further.
Aging of the skin before time: Ultraviolet rays therefore accelerate normal skin aging. Lines and creases, thin skin, and a loss of firmness result in the skin’s luster and tone being reduced, and it looks as if it has aged several years.
Cumulative sun exposure causes basal cell and squamous cell skin cancer, while episodes of severe blistering sunburns, usually before age 18, can cause melanoma later in life.
Sunburn – Skin Types and Sensitivities
People with lighter skin types are more susceptible to the sun as they have fewer melanin pigments. These are the fair skins that easily burn and belong to Fitzpatrick Skin Types I and II.
Certain Medications and Conditions That Cause Sensitivity
Certain medications make one sensitive to the sun and they include:
Some medications increase sensitivity to sunlight, and people become more susceptible to sunburn. Such drugs include:
Certain medications, particularly doxycycline, can cause skin photosensitization, and the likelihood of the person developing skin reactions to UV light, including sunburn, will also increase.
Being among one of the most traditional drugs, NSAIDs are used in the treatment of pain and inflammation. They may even increase the risk of photosensitivity and, therefore, raise the need for their users to take care of sunny conditions.
-Some diuretics, prescribed to patients suffering from hypertension and fluid retention, can increase the sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation even more, thus increasing the risk for skin adverse reactions in the open sun.
It is vital to be aware of these drugs and exercise safety practices when you take any of them. Some diseases, such as lupus also increase the susceptibility to UV radiation.
At-Risk Populations (Children, Fair Skin Group)
Children have delicate skin that gets easily destroyed by UV light. Moreover, those with fair skin or experienced sunburns are more likely to get more.
How To Prevent Sunburn
Role of Sunscreen (SPF, Broad-Spectrum, Water Resistance)
Apply sunscreen to help prevent sunburn. Such determinants are:
– SPF Rating: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to fight both kinds of UV rays.
– Water Resistance: If swimming or sweating, use water-resistant formulas.
Clothing, Hats, Sunglasses.
Protective clothing can cut UV exposure almost in half.Â
Clothing:
Long sleeve shirts and pants: use those with a tightly woven fabric; thus, fewer UV rays will penetrate through
Hats:
Wide brim covers face and neck
– Sunglasses: Wear sunglasses that have at least 99% UV-blocking lenses, blocking both UVA and UVB rays
Avoid Direct Sun Exposure for Most Hazardous Times
10 am – 4 pm. If you cannot avoid going outdoors during these times, try to stay shady as much as you can.
Treatment of Sunburn
Sunburns can be uncomfortable and painful, but there are ways to reduce the pain and help your skin heal.Â
Here are some remedies:
Cool the Skin: Apply a clean towel with cool tap water to the area or take a cool bath with baking soda2.
Moisturize: Use aloe vera lotion or gel or calamine lotion. Cooling the product in the fridge before applying will give you extra relief.The application of aloe vera gel does help in moisturizing and smoothening the pain since it has an anti-inflammatory effect.
Hydrate: Drink more water to prevent dehydration.
Leave Blisters Alone: If you have blisters, let them heal on their own. If they break, clean the area with mild soap and water, apply antibiotic ointment and cover with a nonstick bandage.
Protect Your Skin: While your sunburn heals, stay out of the sun or use sun protection.
Pain Relief: Pain can be reduced by taking pain relievers which a doctor will prescribe once you consult them for sunburn.
Anti-Itch: If you experience skin itching, taking an antihistamine might help as the skin starts to peel and heal. Again it is best to consult a doctor first who can prescribe the best medicines for you.
If your sunburn is severe or doesn’t get better with home care, consult a general physician.
See a doctor in the following situations
– Severe fever
– Blistering
– Dehydration/shock
Sunburn – Myths and Misinformation
Myths About Sunburn and Tanning
- Myth: A tan is a protection against sunburn
    –  Fact: A tan is a sign of skin damage; it doesn’t actually protect you from future UV exposure.
- Myth: You cannot get burned on cloudy days.
– Fact: Even up to 80% of UV rays pass through clouds, so protection is still necessary.
Busting SPF Myths
Most people believe that higher SPF ratings will provide much more protection.It is also correct that SPF 30 lifts the protection to almost 97 percent of the UVB rays while the SPF 15 protects only up to 93 percent but no sunscreen is totally effective. It does not matter what that rating is, but it should be reapplied every two hours.
Also Read : Home Remedies To Get Glowing Skin Naturally
Sunburn Consequences
Skin Damage and Aging
Recurrent burns turn into different changes of the skin shape and structure throughout one’s life. It is attributed to such problems as lining wrinkles, with less skin elasticity and undesired tone of colour.
Increased Risk of Developing Skin Cancer: Melanocytic skin cancer and non melanocytic skin cancer
Accumulative effects of UV exposure remain the single largest risk factor for virtually all known types of skin cancers:
Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation is associated with approximately 65% of melanoma cases, and 90% of non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC), including basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
Sunburn – Conclusion
Sunburn is no longer just an aesthetic issue; it may greatly threaten your health. How you get sunburned, early symptoms, preventing it, and treatment-all those are different important steps that will save your health for years to come.
If you take the right measures to counter such excessive exposure to sunlight today, you’ll keep your skin safe for years to come.
Consult a dermatologist today!Â
Sunburn FAQs
How long does a sunburn take to heal?
Mild sunburn usually heals in three to five days; the more serious ones take longer depending on their severity.
Can I still get sunburned even though I have darker skin?
Yes! Even though dark skin has more melanin that offers some natural defense against the UV rays, it can still burn. Both light and darker-skinned people should apply sunscreen.
My sunburn blisters. What do I do?
Do not pop blisters; this increases the chance of infection. Clean them and keep them covered until they heal on their own.
Can I safely tan?
There's no such thing as a "healthy tan"; all changes in the color of your skin are indications that your skin is damaged by UV radiation. Never trade in protection for the possibility of getting a sun-kissed glow.
Can I put makeup over my sunburn?
It is advisable not to wear makeup on the affected real burn areas until they fully heal. This prevents irritation to your skin further and lets it breathe.
References:
- How to treat sunburn. American Academy of Dermatology Association [Internet].
https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/injured-skin/burns/treat-sunburn. Accessed Dec. 06, 2024.
- Sunburn. MSD Manual[Internet].Â
https://www.msdmanuals.com/professional/dermatologic-disorders/reactions-to-sunlight/sunburn . Accessed Dec. 11, 2024.
- Sunburn. DermNet [Internet].
https://dermnetnz.org/topics/sunburn. Accessed Dec. 05, 2024.
- How to treat and prevent sunburn. MedicalNewsToday [Internet].
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/176441. Accessed Dec. 16, 2024.
