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May 18, 2013
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Sunburn (cont.)

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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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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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