Sunburn: Difference between revisions
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= Sunburn = | {{SI}} | ||
{{Infobox medical condition | |||
== | | name = Sunburn | ||
| image = [[File:Sunburn_Treatment_Practices.jpg|250px]] | |||
| caption = A person with sunburn on their back | |||
== Causes == | | synonyms = Solar erythema | ||
Sunburn is caused by | | specialty = [[Dermatology]] | ||
| symptoms = [[Redness]], [[pain]], [[swelling]], [[blistering]] | |||
| complications = [[Skin cancer]], [[premature aging]], [[infection]] | |||
| onset = Within 1 to 6 hours of exposure | |||
| duration = Several days to weeks | |||
| causes = [[Ultraviolet]] (UV) radiation from the [[sun]] or [[tanning beds]] | |||
| risks = [[Fair skin]], [[prolonged sun exposure]], [[high altitude]], [[proximity to the equator]] | |||
| diagnosis = Based on [[physical examination]] and [[history of sun exposure]] | |||
| prevention = [[Sunscreen]], [[protective clothing]], [[avoiding peak sun hours]] | |||
| treatment = [[Cool compresses]], [[aloe vera]], [[pain relief medication]] | |||
| frequency = Common, especially in [[summer]] months | |||
}} | |||
{{Short description|An overview of sunburn, its causes, symptoms, and treatments}} | |||
== Symptoms | [[File:Sunburn blisters.jpg|left|thumb|Severe sunburn can cause blistering of the skin.]] | ||
[[File:direct DNA damage.png|left|thumb|Diagram showing direct DNA damage caused by UV radiation.]] | |||
* | [[File:UV Diurnal Erythemal Dose Rate Per Latitude graph.png|left|thumb|Graph showing UV diurnal erythemal dose rate per latitude.]] | ||
* Pain and | '''Sunburn''' is a form of [[radiation burn]] that affects living tissue, such as [[skin]], that results from an overexposure to [[ultraviolet (UV) radiation]], commonly from the [[sun]]. It is characterized by red, painful skin that may peel or blister in severe cases. Sunburn is a significant risk factor for [[skin cancer]], including [[melanoma]], [[basal cell carcinoma]], and [[squamous cell carcinoma]]. | ||
* Swelling | ==Causes== | ||
* | Sunburn is primarily caused by exposure to [[ultraviolet radiation]] from the sun. There are two types of UV radiation that affect the skin: [[UVA]] and [[UVB]]. UVB is more likely to cause sunburn, while UVA penetrates deeper into the skin and contributes to [[photoaging]] and [[skin cancer]]. | ||
==Symptoms== | |||
The symptoms of sunburn can vary depending on the severity of the exposure. Common symptoms include: | |||
* Redness and inflammation of the skin | |||
== Pathophysiology == | * Pain and tenderness | ||
UV radiation | * Swelling | ||
* Blistering in severe cases | |||
== Prevention == | * Peeling of the skin as it heals | ||
==Pathophysiology== | |||
* Applying | Sunburn occurs when the amount of UV radiation exceeds the protective capacity of the skin's [[melanin]]. UV radiation causes direct damage to the [[DNA]] in skin cells, leading to [[apoptosis]] and an inflammatory response. This damage can also lead to mutations that increase the risk of skin cancer. | ||
==Prevention== | |||
* Seeking shade during peak sun hours | Preventing sunburn involves minimizing exposure to UV radiation. This can be achieved by: | ||
* | * Wearing protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts and wide-brimmed hats | ||
* Applying [[sunscreen]] with a high [[sun protection factor]] (SPF) | |||
== Treatment == | * Seeking shade, especially during peak sun hours | ||
Treatment | * Wearing [[sunglasses]] that block UV rays | ||
* Cool baths or | ==Treatment== | ||
* Moisturizers | Treatment for sunburn focuses on relieving symptoms and supporting the skin's healing process. Common treatments include: | ||
* Over-the-counter pain | * Cool baths or showers to soothe the skin | ||
* | * Moisturizers or aloe vera gel to hydrate the skin | ||
* Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as [[ibuprofen]] or [[acetaminophen]], to reduce pain and inflammation | |||
== Complications | * Drinking plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration | ||
==Complications== | |||
* | Severe sunburn can lead to complications such as: | ||
* | * [[Heat exhaustion]] or [[heat stroke]] | ||
* | * [[Infection]] of blisters | ||
* Increased risk of skin cancer | |||
==Also see== | |||
* [[Skin cancer]] | |||
* [[Sunscreen]] | |||
== | * [[Ultraviolet radiation]] | ||
* [ | * [[Photoaging]] | ||
* [ | {{Skin conditions}} | ||
{{Dermatology}} | |||
[[Category:Dermatology]] | [[Category:Dermatology]] | ||
[[Category:Skin conditions]] | [[Category:Skin conditions resulting from physical factors]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Effects of external causes]] | ||
Latest revision as of 15:49, 12 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Sunburn | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | Solar erythema |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | Dermatology |
| Symptoms | Redness, pain, swelling, blistering |
| Complications | Skin cancer, premature aging, infection |
| Onset | Within 1 to 6 hours of exposure |
| Duration | Several days to weeks |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds |
| Risks | Fair skin, prolonged sun exposure, high altitude, proximity to the equator |
| Diagnosis | Based on physical examination and history of sun exposure |
| Differential diagnosis | N/A |
| Prevention | Sunscreen, protective clothing, avoiding peak sun hours |
| Treatment | Cool compresses, aloe vera, pain relief medication |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | N/A |
| Frequency | Common, especially in summer months |
| Deaths | N/A |
An overview of sunburn, its causes, symptoms, and treatments
Sunburn is a form of radiation burn that affects living tissue, such as skin, that results from an overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, commonly from the sun. It is characterized by red, painful skin that may peel or blister in severe cases. Sunburn is a significant risk factor for skin cancer, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.
Causes[edit]
Sunburn is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun. There are two types of UV radiation that affect the skin: UVA and UVB. UVB is more likely to cause sunburn, while UVA penetrates deeper into the skin and contributes to photoaging and skin cancer.
Symptoms[edit]
The symptoms of sunburn can vary depending on the severity of the exposure. Common symptoms include:
- Redness and inflammation of the skin
- Pain and tenderness
- Swelling
- Blistering in severe cases
- Peeling of the skin as it heals
Pathophysiology[edit]
Sunburn occurs when the amount of UV radiation exceeds the protective capacity of the skin's melanin. UV radiation causes direct damage to the DNA in skin cells, leading to apoptosis and an inflammatory response. This damage can also lead to mutations that increase the risk of skin cancer.
Prevention[edit]
Preventing sunburn involves minimizing exposure to UV radiation. This can be achieved by:
- Wearing protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts and wide-brimmed hats
- Applying sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF)
- Seeking shade, especially during peak sun hours
- Wearing sunglasses that block UV rays
Treatment[edit]
Treatment for sunburn focuses on relieving symptoms and supporting the skin's healing process. Common treatments include:
- Cool baths or showers to soothe the skin
- Moisturizers or aloe vera gel to hydrate the skin
- Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to reduce pain and inflammation
- Drinking plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration
Complications[edit]
Severe sunburn can lead to complications such as:
- Heat exhaustion or heat stroke
- Infection of blisters
- Increased risk of skin cancer
Also see[edit]
| Dermatology and Skin conditions | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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|
