Sunburn

Overview

The term sunburn is commonly used to describe a condition in which the skin is burned by exposure to ultraviolet radiation whether from the actual sun or from artificial sources. Sunburn should not be taken lightly. There has been a 30 per cent increase in common skin cancers in Canada over the last decade as a direct result of overexposure to UV rays. Even one bad burn in childhood carries an increased risk of skin cancer.

Causes

When you spend time in the sun two types of ultraviolet radiation penetrate your skin UVA and UVB. UVA rays aren't as powerful as UVB and are considered the culprit behind premature aging and wrinkled skin. They also play a role in the development of skin cancer. Inside tanning could even be worse for you as artificial tanning devices can emit two to five times more UVA rays than natural sunlight!

While UVB rays are shorter than UVA they're much more powerful and mainly affect the skin's outer layers causing sunburn skin aging and skin cancer. UVB rays are extremely intense during the summer months at high altitudes and in regions close to the equator. If you regularly allow yourself to be exposed to UVB rays you could develop skin cancer and damage your immune system.

Tanning is visible proof that your skin is being damaged. When UVA and UVB rays penetrate your skin they stimulate cells which produce a brown pigment called melanin. The more time you spend in the sun the more melanin your skin produces to protect it from the sun. Melanin acts as a protective cover for your skin's cells and it's what gives you the brown tint that we know as a suntan.

Different people have different amounts of melanin in their skin. If you have a Northern European background chances are your skin is naturally pale and you'll burn quickly if you're in the sun too long. But even those with naturally dark skin can still suffer the hazards of sun exposure. It's important that everyone protect his or her skin from the sun regardless of skin tone.

While melanin is nature's way of protecting your skin from the sun's harmful rays it can only do so much. If you spend repeated long periods of time in the sun skin damage is inevitable. You could be laying the groundwork for a fatal disease if you're not careful.

Symptoms

  • redness
  • swelling of the skin
  • pain
  • blisters
  • fever
  • chills
  • weakness
  • dry itching and peeling skin days after the burn

Treatment

For mild cases of sunburn it is usually not necessary to see a doctor. Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be used for pain relief. In addition apply:

  • Calamine lotion
  • Sunburn cream or spray
  • Cool tap water compress
  • Colloidal oatmeal (Aveeno) baths
  • Dusting powder to reduce chafing.

Moderately burned skin should heal within a week. If you have a bad sunburn see your doctor. He may want to prescribe corticosteroid cream or pills to reduce the inflammation from the burn.

Prevention

The Canadian Dermatology Association (CDA) offers the following tips on how to stay safe in the sun:

  • Try to reduce sun exposure between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. (e.g. schedule outdoor sporting events for early evening; if you're a jogger plan to do so first thing in the morning).
  • Seek shade or create your own shade (e.g. use an umbrella on the beach).
  • Wear clothing to cover your arms and legs.
  • Wear a wide brimmed hat and wrap-around sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection
  • Apply sunscreen with minimum SPF #15 or higher with UVA and UVB protection (higher for individuals spending extended periods of time out of doors). SPF 15 and 30 protect almost all the harmful sun rays but people often get burned regardless because they fail to cover one area or they forget to reapply after two hours (especially after swimming). Buy a number of sizes of sunscreens and have them available in all your summer bags and other locations.
  • It is important to be familiar with your skin. Check yourself monthly for moles and freckles. See your dermatologist if any growth mole or discolouration appears suddenly or begins to change or if a sore does not heal. Once cancer develops early detection and treatment are the best defence.
  • Certain medications such as antibiotics and retinoids commonly taken to fight acne increase the risk of sunburn. If you're taking these kinds of medications you should take extra sun safety precautions.
  • If you're pregnant or taking birth control pills you should be particularly wary of the sun because you could develop dark pigmentation on your cheeks and forehead (also known as the "pregnancy mask"). A sunscreen with an SPF #30 with UVA and UVB protection should definitely be worn.
  • If you still feel you must have a tan the CDA recommends the use of self-tanning creams applied at night and followed with an SPF #15 or more with UVA and UVB protection sunscreen each day. Self-tanning creams do not provide sun protection.
  • Practicing safe sun precautions needs to become as important as practicing safe sex and responsible drinking.

Additional Resources:

Canadian Cancer Society

Canadian Dermatology Association