Sunburn occurs when there is overexposure to the ultraviolet rays of the sun. Ultraviolet rays are extremely harmful to the skin. Symptoms are generally temporary, but the damage to the skin is permanent and could have serious long term health effects. The temporary symptoms are typically red skin that is painful when touched. Permanent serious long term effects could potentially include skin cancer. Sunburn and its treatment is something everyone should be aware of.

There are several other factors that can occur with sunburn. Such as;

• Premature aging to the skin

• First and second degree burns can occur with serious cases of sunburn which require hospitalization and continuous medical care after the sunburn begins to heal

Skin cancer from damage to the skin will generally occur in adulthood. Though, the cause is usually from over exposure to the sun and sunburns that happen in childhood. Skin cancer can be prevented by protecting the skin and children’s skin from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun.

There are several various factors which can make sunburn more likely to occur.

a) Children and especially infants have skin that is more sensitive to the burning effects of the sun.

b) People that are fair skinned are more sensitive to the sun than people that are darker skinned. However, all types and colors of skin should be protected from the sun.

c) The sun’s rays are strongest between the daytime hours of 10:00am and 2:00 pm. The sun has rays that are stronger at higher altitudes and lower latitudes.

d) The sun reflecting off of bodies of water, sand or snow can be more intense

e) Sun lamps can cause severe sunburn. Sun lamps are found in tanning beds

f) Some medication (such as several antibiotics) will make you more susceptible to sunburn

Symptoms of sunburn

The first signs or symptoms of sunburn may not appear for a few hours. The full effect to skin may not appear for up to 24 hours or longer.

• Red, tender skin that is warm to the touch

• Skin peeling and sunburned areas several days after sunburn occurs

• Blisters can develop several hours or even days after sunburn

• Severe reactions to sunburn is sometimes referred to as sunstroke or sun poisoning and the patient will have fever, chills, nausea or even a rash

First aid for sunburn

• A soothing lotion that contains aloe will provide the best relief. You can even use the aloe plant juice to soothe the skin

• Aloe gel is a common household remedy for sunburns. The active ingredient in aloe stops the burning, pain and inflammation of sunburn

• Over the counter pain medication works for sunburn pain. These include ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

• Take a cool bath or shower. Apply a cold wet wash cloth on the sunburn for 10 to 15 minutes. Repeat this process several times throughout the day. If cold water chills a small child, use tepid water instead

• You can make a paste out of baking soda and water to help relieve the pain of sunburn.

Things you should not do

• Do not apply petroleum jelly or products to sunburn. Lidocaine, butter or benzocaine-or medications that contain these. These will all make the symptoms worse and prevent the skin from healing properly or quickly

• Do not wash burned skin with harsh soaps

When you should seek medical professional care

• Faint or dizzy feeling occurs

• Rapid pulse or breathing

• Extremely thirsty, no urine output or sunken eyes

• Nausea, fever, chills

• Rash

• Severe painful blisters

• Pale, clammy or cool skin after being exposed to the sun for a number of hours

Preventing sunburn is important for number of reasons. Try and avoid being in the sun for extended periods of time along with using sunscreens. Apply your sunscreens at least 30 minutes before sun exposure. You can also protect your skin from the sun with wearing hats, sunglasses and other lip balm along with your sunscreen.

Sunburn can be a serious medical condition now and in the future.