John P. Cunha, DO, is a U.S. board-certified Emergency Medicine Physician. Dr. Cunha's educational background includes a BS in Biology from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, and a DO from the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences in Kansas City, MO. He completed residency training in Emergency Medicine at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark, New Jersey.
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.
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.
Heat RashHeat rash (prickly heat) is a red or pink rash caused by plugged sweat glands. Symptoms include welts, hives (urticaria), raised red bumps, or itching. Treatmen...learn more >>
Thermal (Heat or Fire) BurnsMany of us have picked up a hot pan on a grill or have felt the steam from a super-hot bowl of vegetables in the microwave. Who hasn't reached into ...learn more >>
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:
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.
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.
