Health Encyclopedia

Sunburn

Definition

A sunburn is reddening of the skin that occurs after you are exposed to the sun or other ultraviolet light.

Alternative Names

Burn from the sun

Common Causes

Sunburn results when the amount of exposure to the sun or other ultraviolet light source exceeds the ability of the body's protective pigment, melanin, to protect the skin. Sunburn in a very light-skinned person may occur in less than 15 minutes of midday sun exposure, while a dark-skinned person may tolerate the same exposure for hours.

It is now recognized that sunburn and sun exposure should not be treated as insignificant. Deaths have resulted from acute sun exposure, and significant temporary disability is experienced by millions of sunburned people each year.

Unlike a thermal burn, sunburn is not immediately apparent. By the time the skin starts to become painful and red, the damage has been done. The pain is worst between 6 and 48 hours after sun exposure. In severe sunburns, blistering of the skin may occur.

Swelling (edema) of the skin, especially in the legs, is common. Toxins are released with sunburn, and fever is not uncommon. Skin peeling usually begins between three and eight days after exposure.

The long-term consequences of years of overexposure to the sun are significant. One blistering sunburn doubles the likelihood of developing malignant melanoma. Chronic sun exposure causes premature wrinkling and aging of the skin. Age spots (lentigo) are a result of sun exposure.

Skin cancer (basal cell and squamous cell cancer) is directly related to the amount of sun exposure (determined by skin pigmentation and hours in the sun). Finally, sun exposure and ultraviolet damage have been implicated in the development of cataracts.

Very effective sunscreens have been developed that protect from UVA and UVB (long and short wavelengths of ultraviolet light), which are the components of sunlight responsible for burning and cancerous changes in the skin.

Sunscreen, protective clothing, and ultraviolet-protected sunglasses are all recommended to prevent excessive sun exposure. Wearing a sunscreen with high sun protection factor (SPF) is recommended. The higher SPF numbers indicate greater protection. Unfortunately, there is no way to get a "safe tan" from the sun.

Home Care

Sunburn is better prevented than treated. Effective sunscreens are available in a wide variety of strengths. Most doctors recommend a sunscreen SPF level of 30 or greater.

Sunscreen should be generously applied. If out in the sun for a prolonged period of time during the day, wearing a hat and other protective clothing is recommended. Light clothing reflects the sun most effectively.

If you do get a sunburn:

Try taking a cool shower or bath or placing wet, cold wash rags on the burn.
Avoid products that contain benzocaine, lidocaine, or petroleum (like Vaseline).
If blisters are present, dry bandages may help prevent infection.
If your skin is not blistering, moisturizing cream may be applied to relieve discomfort.
Over the counter medications, like ibuprofen, may help to relieve pain from sunburn. (Aspirin should be avoided in children who are running a fever.)

Call your health care provider if

Call your doctor if you have a fever with the sunburn or if fluid-filled blisters, dizziness, or vision problems occur with it.

What to expect at your health care provider's office

The doctor will perform a physical exam and look at your skin. You may be asked questions about your medical history and current symptoms, including:

When did the sunburn occur?
How often do you get sunburn?
Do you have blisters?
How much of the body was sunburned?
What medicines do you take?
Do you use a sunblock or sunscreen? What type? How strong?
What other symptoms do you have?

References

Auerbach PS. Wilderness Medicine. 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2001.

Habif TP. Clinical Dermatology. 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2004.

Review Date:4/12/2007
Reviewed By:Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Associate, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

ADAM Quality A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial process. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The Agency for Health Care Administration (Agency) and this website do not claim the information on, or referred to by, this site is error free. This site may include links to websites of other government agencies or private groups. Our Agency and this website do not control such sites and are not responsible for their content. Reference to or links to any other group, product, service, or information does not mean our Agency or this website approves of that group, product, service, or information.

Additionally, while health information provided through this website may be a valuable resource for the public, it is not designed to offer medical advice. Talk with your doctor about medical care questions you may have.