The Effects of Sunburn

Why You Get a Sunburn

Sunburn results when the amount of exposure to the sun or other ultraviolet (UV) light source (tanning bed) exceeds the ability of the body's protective pigment, melanin, to protect the skin.

There are two types of ultraviolet rays, UVA and UVB. UVA rays penetrate the skin more deeply and can cause melanoma in susceptible people. UVB rays, which don't penetrate as deeply, cause sunburn and wrinkling. Most UVB rays are absorbed by sunscreens, but only about half the UVA rays are absorbed.

Sunburn Consequences - it pays to take care

The long-term consequences of years of overexposure to the sun are significant. One blistering sunburn actually doubles the likelihood of developing skin cancer. In addition, chronic sun exposure causes premature wrinkling and aging of the skin. Age spots (lentigo) are also a result of sun exposure.

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It is now recognized that sunburn and sun exposure should not be taken as something insignificant. In severe cases, the sunburn may occur with sunstroke (vomiting, fever and collapse). Deaths have actually resulted from acute sun exposure, and significant temporary disability is experienced by millions of sunburned people each year.

Sunburn is not immediately apparent. By the time the skin starts to become painful and red, the damage has been done. The pain is typically worse between 6 and 48 hours after sun exposure. In severe sunburns, blistering of the skin usually occurs.

Swelling (Edema) of the skin, especially in the legs, is common. Toxins (poison) are released with sunburn, and fever is not uncommon. Skin peeling usually begins between three and eight days after exposure.

Skin cancer (basal cell and squamous cell cancer) is directly related to the amount of sun exposure (determined by skin pigmentation and hours in the sun). Finally, sun exposure and ultraviolet damage have been implicated in the development of cataracts.

Skin cancer from sun overexposure is a serious health problem in the United States, affecting almost a million Americans each year. One out of 87 people will develop malignant melanoma (the most serious type of skin cancer), and 7,300 of them will die each year.

The ultraviolet rays in sunlight destroy cells in the outer layer of the skin, damaging tiny blood vessels underneath. When the skin is burned, the blood vessels dilate and leak fluid and cells stop making protein. The ultraviolet rays damage the DNA in the cells, and repeated DNA damage can lead to cancer.

Additionally, when the sun burns the skin, it triggers immune defenses that identify the burned skin as a foreign substance. At the same time, the sun transforms a substance on the skin that interferes with the immune response. While this substance keeps the immune system from attacking a person's own skin, it also means that any malignant cells in the skin will be able to grow freely.

• In the US: Incidence is highest in areas with the highest flux of solar radiation (i.e., the southern United States).
• Internationally: Incidence is increased in regions that are closer to the equator, that are higher in altitude, and where individuals have lighter baseline skin pigmentation.

Mortality (likelihood of death) /Morbidity (degree of adverse or harmful effects):

• Uncomplicated sunburn is associated with minimal short-term morbidity (the amount of harmful or adverse effects). Most cases resolve spontaneously with no significant aftereffects.
• In rare cases, sunburn may be so severe and diffuse that it results in second-degree burns, dehydration, secondary infection, shock, or even death.
• Morbidity (degree of sickness or adverse effects) and mortality (death) associated with long-term sun exposure is related primarily to the development of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma.

The Most Effective Treatment and Protection

For information about the most effective and proven treatment to care for sunburn and prevent skin cancer and premature aging click here.