Hylton I Lightman MD DCH(SA) FAAP

What’s a sunburn?
The medical term for sunburn is erythema. Sunburn is form of short-term skin damage caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun – in other words, being out in the sun too long. UV light sources like tanning salons can also cause sunburns. It is inflamed, painful skin that feels hot to the touch. This can be the case even with a mild sunburn.

Why should we care about sunburns?
They can be painful. That’s the first reason.

More important, with every burn, the chance of developing non-melanoma skin cancer increases. In other words, even a single sunburn can increase your risk for developing cancer. It’s not the burn that affects your risk; it’s the amount of sun exposure that’s associated with the burn.

Sunburn can also lead to hyperpigmentation (darker patches of skin) and photoageing (when the skin ages prematurely).

What are the symptoms of a sunburn?

• Inflamed skin, which looks pink or red on white skin and may be harder to see on brown or Black skin.
• Skin that feels warm or hot to touch.
• Pain, tenderness and itching.
• Swelling.
• Small, fluid-filled blisters, which may break.
• Headache, fever, nausea and fatigue, if the sunburn is severe.
• Eyes that feel painful or gritty.

Which parts of the body are at risk for sunburn?
ALL!

Any exposed part of the body – including the top of the earlobes, the earlobes, behind the ears, the scalp, lips, neck, and even the tops of the feet and toes – can burn. Even covered areas can burn if clothing has a loose weave that allows ultraviolet (UV) light through. Please note: Eyes can also burn.

What is the “trajectory” of a sunburn?
How long a sunburn lasts depends on the severity of the burn. A mild sunburn will continue for about 3 days. A moderate one can last for about 5 days and is often followed by peeling skin. A severe sunburn can last for more than a week and may require medical advice.

Sunburn pain usually starts within 6 hours and peaks at about 24 hours. Pain will usually subside after 48 hours.

What can be done for a sunburn?
Get out of the sun pronto! Go inside and take a cool shower or bath as soon as possible. Do not use harsh soaps and do not exfoliate. Later, as the skin becomes inflamed, the cool shower might feel painful.

Cool the skin for about 10 minutes several times daily. Apply a moisturizer, preferably one with aloe vera as it offers temporary relief and can help with healing. There are emerging studies that Vitamin D can promote skin healing.

Drink plenty of water. Your body is sending extra fluids to the sunburned areas. By staying hydrated, you can help the healing process.

Resist the urge to scratch itching.

PREVENTION should be the operative word when it comes to sunburns.
This can be done in several ways.

• Sunscreen – Apply a thick later of sunscreen of at least a 30 SPF to clean, dry skin at least 20 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours (or more, if you are sweating or in the water). Use sunscreen even on cloudy days and on all exposed skin. Some people are prone to sunburns. If you are, then use a higher SPF sunscreen.
• Shade – This can be your friend so seek it out as much as possible. The sun’s strongest hours are usually 11-3:30 pm, so schedule outdoor activities outside that time.
• Clothing – Long sleeves and long skirts and pants are sun-protective. Hats with wide brims are also great but should be combined with sunscreen.
• Sunglasses should meet Australian Standards.
• Avoid at all costs tanning beds and sun tanning.

If your baby is under six months of age – Pay special attention
Do NOT apply sunscreen to babies under six months of age. Their skin is more sensitive and can be prone to burning and rashes. Please keep your baby out of the sun.

It does not take even a half-day at the pool or beach to get a sunburn. Please be vigilant. The caution you take now can save health and other problems decades into the future.

As always, daven.