Sunburn is a visible reaction of the skin's exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, the invisible rays that are part of sunlight. Ultraviolet rays can also cause invisible damage to the skin. Excessive and/or multiple sunburns cause premature aging of the skin and lead to skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the US and exposure to the sun is the leading cause of skin cancer. During the summer, people spend more time outdoors. People 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. UV rays are strongest during summer months when the sun is directly overhead (normally between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.).
The following are the most common symptoms of sunburn. However, each person may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include: Redness, Swelling of the skin, Pain, Blisters, Fever, Chills, Weakness, Dry itching and peeling skin days after the burn. The symptoms of sunburn may resemble other skin conditions. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.
If you are sunburned, take a cool bath or use cool compresses on the sunburned area. Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen for discomfort. Be sure to follow the directions on the container. Apply a topical moisturizer, aloe gel, hydrocortisone cream, or a topical pain reliever to sunburned skin. Avoid commercial products that contain Benadryl or benzocaine, because of the possibility of skin irritation or allergy. If blisters are present, do not break them open, as infection can occur. Keep out of the sun until the burn is healed.