Sunburn

Sunburn: Cause and effect

About

A sunburn is skin damage from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays

Most likely time to get a sunburn is between 10 am and 4 pm, when the sun's rays are the strongest.
People can get sunburned even on cloudy days because light clouds do not filter ultraviolet light. [1]

Long-term sun exposure can lead to:
- Increased risk of skin cancer
- Increase in the number of cold sores
- Increased risk of lupus
- Cataracts
- Skin changes such as premature wrinkling or brown spots

Sunburn appears as red, painful skin that feels hot to the touch, usually happening within a few hours of ultraviolet (UV) light exposure from sunshine or artificial sources.

Age affected
Affects all age groups

Symptoms

Self-diagnosable
- Pinkness or redness of skin
- Skin that feels warm or hot to the touch
- Pain, tenderness, and itching
- Swelling
- Small fluid-filled blisters
- Headache, fever, nausea, and fatigue
- Heat stroke
- Allergic outburst
- Vision problems

Treatment

Self-care
- Protect the skin from the sun.
- Avoid sun exposure for too long.
- Use sunscreens.
- Wear clothing that covers the skin.
- Cool baths or application of cool wet cloth to burnt area may be done.
- Drink water to replace fluid loss.

Medication
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antiseptic ointments, suitable sun block cream may be prescribed by the physician.

Specialists
Patients can take the help of a general physician. mfine features some of the country’s finest physicians for your consultation.