Overview
- When the skin suffers a burn from the sun, it is known as a sunburn
- This occurs when the body has too much exposure to the sun
- Normal contact with the sun results in the creation of Vitamin D
- The majority of people end up with sun damage at some point in their lives, especially if you love the beach
- Early stages of aging and cancer can occur due to a sunburn
- A sunburn is more common in kids or young adults
Causes
- A sunburn is caused by the sun’s infrared rays while doing outside activities
- A person can also end up with skin damage from tanning beds
Risk Factors
- Usually, light-skinned individuals are more prone
- People who have recently been exposed to the sun for a long period of time are at risk
- There is more of a risk if the person has had a previous skin injury
- People with infections such as Porphyria or Herpes are at more risk to sunburn
Symptoms
Injury to the skin usually occurs within 30 minutes of exposure to the sun. Some symptoms are:
- Irritation of the skin
- Skin turns red
- Sores and blisters begin to form
- Pain surrounding the burnt area
- There will be skin loss or it may start to peel
- The person will become dehydrated
- The person will start having flu symptoms
- Infection if the skin might occur
- Person might experience a high fever
- If the damage is very serious, shock might occur which can lead to death if not treated quickly.
Treatment for a sunburn
Self-care measures
- Move away from the sun
- Shelter the exposed region that was burnt
- Immerse yourself a cool bath
- Use a solution that contains aloes
- Don’t use any oils or lotions
- Don’t rub the affected area. This will aggravate the burn
- Use a soft towel
- Don’t go near the sun while you are recovering
Prevention
- You should put on a hat, long pants and shirts while in the sun for long periods of time
- Try not to stay in the sun for extended periods of time
- Stay away from tanning beds, they are harmful to your skin.
Related video
FACT CHECK
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunburn
https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/guide/sunburn#1
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sunburn/symptoms-causes/syc-20355922