Sunburn

Sunburn is inflammation of the skin and the tissues just beneath it caused by overexposure to the ultraviolet rays of the sun. The affected area becomes red, hot, tender and swollen, and in severe cases blisters may form. You are much more likely to become sunburned if you have light skin. In addition, a few people are extra-sensitive to the sun because they have a disease or they are taking a drug that makes them particularly sensitive to the sun.

You can become sunburned without sitting under the blazing sun. Ultraviolet rays will penetrate a hazy atmosphere in which you may feel quite comfortable. Also, if you are on the water or on sand, sun rays may reflect off those surfaces and burn parts of your skin that you think are protected.

Sunburn is a special problem throughout the year in the intense sunlight of the southeastern and southwestern United States. Vacationers are particularly susceptible, because they may unwisely try to acquire a tan too quickly.

Because cold temperatures do not block ultraviolet rays, and snow reflects them the same way that sand and water do, you can also get a sunburn on a skiing vacation.

What are the risks?

Repeated sunburn, or regular exposure to strong sun over many years, breaks down the elastic tissues in the skin and makes it look prematurely old and wrinkled. In addition, it can cause solar keratoses, which are roughened red patches of skin, to appear on exposed places, especially in fair-skinned people. Solar keratoses and/or long-term exposure to strong sun increase the risk of your getting skin cancer.

What should be done?

Prevent sunburn by not sunbathing, or if you must, sunbathe sensibly. On the first day spend only 20 to 30 minutes in the sun. Increase this by 30 minutes each day until you are beginning to tan, which usually takes four to five days. During this early period, use a sunscreen, or sunblock, lotion with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) rating of 10 to 15. The rating should appear on the label. Try not to sunbathe between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm, when the sun is strongest. Once your tan is started, use plenty of suntan oil or lotion to soothe your skin.

If you do get a sunburn, adopt the following self-help measures. Protect sunburned skin, even while swimming, by wearing clothing or applying a sunscreen or sunblock lotion with an SPF rating of 15 or more, and use a soothing cream. You can take aspirin to relieve discomfort. Do not sunbathe again until all signs of sunburn have disappeared.

If the sunburn is very painful, consult a physician. A low dose, anti-inflammatory steroid cream may clear up the problem in a few days.