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June 18, 2013
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Sunburn and Sun Poisoning

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Sunburn Overview

Sunburn results from too much sun or sun-equivalent exposure. Almost everyone has been sunburned or will become sunburned at some time. Anyone who visits a beach, goes fishing, works in the yard, or simply is out in the sun can get sunburned. Sunburn is possible any time of the year, but is more common in the summer months when the sun's rays are the strongest. Improper tanning bed use is also a source of sunburn. Although seldom fatal, severe sunburn or sun poisoning can be disabling and cause quite a bit of discomfort.

A Skin Cancer Foundation survey found that half of all adults reported at least one sunburn in the past year. One or more blistering sunburns in childhood or adolescence more than double a person's chances of developing melanoma later in life, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. Moreover, a person's risk for melanoma doubles if he or she has had five or more  sunburns at any age.

Sunburn Causes

Sunburn is literally a burn on the skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This burn causes inflammation of the skin. Injury from sunburn can begin within 30 minutes of exposure.

  • UVA and UVB refer to different wavelengths in the light spectrum. UVB is more damaging to the skin, especially for risk of skin cancer. Both UVA and UVB are responsible for photoaging (premature aging of the skin and wrinkles) and sunburn. Tanning beds produce both UVA and UVB rays.
  • Individuals who travel to the southern United States, regions close to the equator, and places at high altitudes carry a higher risk for sunburn.
  • Light-skinned and fair-haired people are at greater risk of sunburn.
  • Prior recent sun exposure and prior skin injury are risks for sunburn, even in limited exposure to the sun.
    • Normal limited exposure to UV radiation produces beneficial vitamin D in the skin.
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Sunburn - Treatment

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What treatment do you use for sunburn relief?

Bad Sunburn - Experience

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

Have you ever experienced a really bad sunburn? What was it like?

Protect yourself from the sun.

Summer Survival Kit

If your summer includes relaxing on the beach, lake, or river, a well–planned survival kit can ensure that you have a fun and healthy experience. Don't forget the following items when packing your weekend bag:

  1. Sunscreen with adequate protection against both UVA and UVB rays. While sunscreen should be applied at home about a half hour before sun exposure, you'll need to re–apply more when you arrive. Studies show that most people apply far too little sunscreen, and the SPF of any product is reduced when it's applied too thinly. You'll need to reapply sunscreen after swimming or if you perspire a great deal.
  1. A watch of some type to recognize how long you've been in the sun. You also need to know when it's time to avoid sun exposure ? from 10 am to 2 pm, when the sun's rays are most intense.

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Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Sunburn »

Sunburn is an acute cutaneous inflammatory reaction that follows excessive exposure of the skin to ultraviolet radiation (UVR).

Read More on Medscape Reference »


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