Sunburn – Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Medications

Sunburn is an inflammation of the skin that is caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. A similar burn can follow overexposure to a "sun" (tanning) lamp. UV radiation can also damage the eyes, although no surface burn is apparent.

Sunburn is a condition that takes place when the skin gets overexposed to the harmful ultraviolet rays. The major source of UV rays is the sun. Other sources include welding arcs and tanning lamps. Sunburns can adversely affect your health, therefore should not be ignored. They can even lead to a person’s death. Fair people are at a higher risk of developing sunburns. Read further to explore more sunburns information.

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the US and exposure to the sun is the leading cause of skin cancer. Children often spend a good part of their day playing outdoors in the sun, especially during the summer. Children who have fair skin, moles, or freckles, or who have a family history of skin cancer, are more likely to develop skin cancer in later years. Exposure to the sun during daily activities and play causes the most sun damage. Overexposure to sunlight before age 18 is most damaging to the skin .

Sunburn causes:

Sunburn is caused by excessive exposure to the sun or other ultraviolet light source. Sunburn occurs because the body is unable to make enough melanin (protective pigment in the skin) to protect the skin. Sunburn may occur in less than 15 minutes of sun exposure for light-skinned persons while it may take hours for a dark-skinned person to develop a sunburn.

Travel to the southern United States, regions close to the equator, and places at high altitudes all offer the unwary visitor an opportunity to be injured by sunburn.

Some medications (such as the antibiotic doxycycline ) can make you more susceptible to sunburn.

Signs and Symptoms:

· Initially, your skin turns red about 2-6 hours after exposure and feels irritated.
· Flulike symptoms
· Blistering - May range from a very fine blister that is only found when you begin to "peel" to very large water-filled blisters with red, tender, raw skin underneath
· Skin peeling on sunburned areas several days after the sunburn.
· Blisters that develop hours to days later.

In severe cases of sunburn, the victim may experience fever, nausea, chills, dizziness, rapid pulse, rapid breathing, shock, and loss of consciousness (sometimes called sun poisoning). Obviously, such symptoms require emergency treatment.

Diagnosis
A mild sunburn does not usually require a visit to the doctor. However, if you have any of the above symptoms, seek medical attention. The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. For more severe cases of sun damage, you may be referred to a doctor who specializes in skin disorders (dermatologist). History of UVR exposure and sites of reaction on exposed areas.
Medications:

· Aspirin, acetaminophen and ibuprofen can help combat pain
· Anesthetic creams or sprays containing benzocain and lidocain provide temporary relief
· Antibacterial and antimicrobial soaps and antiseptics help prevent infection.