Sunburn, sun poisoning: what is this, causes, symptoms, diagnostics, treatment, prevention

Sunburn; Solar erythema; Burn from the sun

sunburn is a condition, which occurs, when the skin is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) solar radiation. This may cause red, painful skin, which is flaky, as well as other symptoms, such as headaches, fever and fatigue. Sunburn is a form of skin damage and may increase your risk of developing skin cancer in the future..

Causes of sunburn

Sunburn occurs as a result of exposure to UV radiation from the sun.. UV radiation can penetrate the skin and damage DNA in skin cells. This can lead to, that the skin will turn red, painful and, ultimately, starts to peel off. The severity of a sunburn depends on several factors., including the amount of UV radiation, to which the skin is exposed, amount of exposed skin, skin pigmentation, as well as the age and general health of the person.

Sunburn symptoms

Sunburn symptoms can vary, but usually they include redness, skin soreness, which is flaky, as well as other symptoms, such as headaches, fever and fatigue. The skin may also feel warm to the touch..

Sunburn can range from mild to severe, and in severe cases, it can cause blistering and sun poisoning.

When to contact a healthcare professional

If you have sunburn symptoms, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. This is particularly important, if you have symptoms of sun poisoning, such as blisters, headaches or fever. If you have a history of skin cancer or have fair skin, you may be more susceptible to sunburn and should take extra precautions to protect your skin from UV radiation.

Questions, that your doctor may ask

When you see a doctor about a sunburn, he may ask you some questions, to help diagnose the condition and determine the best course of treatment. Some of the questions, which they can ask, include:

• How long have you been experiencing sunburn symptoms??How much skin has been exposed to the sun?
• What symptoms are you experiencing??Have you had sunburn before?
• Are you using any medications, which make you more sensitive to the sun?
• Have you been in the sun recently??
• Do you have any other medical conditions, which can make you more susceptible to sunburn?

Diagnosis of sunburn

Sunburn is usually diagnosed based on symptoms and a physical examination.. Your doctor will examine your skin, to determine the extent and severity of sunburn. He may also ask you about UV exposure and medical history..

sunburn treatment

Treatment for sunburn depends on the severity of the condition.. For mild sunburn, the following treatments can help relieve symptoms:

• OTC painkillers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
• Cool compresses
• Moisturizers or lotions
• Avoid further sun exposure

For more severe sunburns, your doctor may prescribe topical or oral medications., to help reduce pain and inflammation. They may also recommend avoiding sun exposure and wearing protective clothing and sunscreen..

Home treatment for sunburn

In addition to the treatments listed above, you can also try some home remedies., to relieve sunburn symptoms. Some of these tools include:

• Cool bath or shower
• Aloe Vera Gel
• Humidification with water and other liquids
• Applying vinegar or baking soda to the skin

Prevention of sunburn

The best way to prevent sunburn is to avoid UV exposure.. Here are some tips to prevent sunburn:

• Wear protective clothing: wear clothes, covering skin, e.g. long sleeved shirts, trousers and headwear.
• Use sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 on all exposed skin and reapply every 2 o'clock, especially after sweating or swimming.
• Look for a shadow: avoid direct sunlight, especially during peak hours 10:00 to 16:00.
• Wear UV-protective sunglasses and a hat: Protect your eyes and face from harmful UV rays.
• Stay hydrated: drink plenty of water, to prevent dehydration, which can aggravate sunburn.

Used sources and literature

American Academy of Dermatology website. Sunscreen FAQs. www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/sun-protection/sunscreen-patients/sunscreen-faqs. Accessed July 22, 2021.

Dinulos JGH. Light-related diseases and disorders of pigmentation. In: Dinulos JGH, ed. Habif’s Clinical Dermatology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 19.

Sherman KS. Sunburn. In: Kellerman RD, Rakel DP, eds. Conn’s Current Therapy 2021. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:1081-1083.