Dangers of Sunburn

Sunburn Defined

Sunburn is a literal burn of the skin. However, a sunburn, as opposed to a thermal or contact burn, causes skin damage before significant redness appears. As sunbathers experience little to no pain during the initial stages of sunburn, many overexpose their skin without realizing the danger involved.

The actual cause of sunburn is overexposure of ultraviolet rays (UV), whereas lesser amounts of UV rays produce a suntan. The types of UV rays responsible for sunburn are UVA and UVB (short and long wave rays). UVB is of greater concern when it comes to sun-related skin cancer and, depending on your location, these rays tend to be much stronger midday and a couple hours before and after. More stringent guidelines recommend against tanning from 10am to 4pm. Tanning beds also produce both UVA and UVB rays.

Natural Protection

A pigment known as melanin protects the skin from the dangers of sunburn. The actual burn occurs when UV exposure exceeds the body's natural defenses. Melanin may protect a light-skinned person for as little as 15 minutes, whereas darker-skinned persons often fare well for longer periods, even hours.

However, dark skin is not a free pass from the dangers of sunburn, particularly as they accumulate over time. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that all persons protect themselves from UV exposure. It does not take a noticeable burn to cause or aggravate certain skin conditions, such as rosacea and acne, in some individuals.

The Many Dangers of Sunburn

Both short- and long-term dangers of sunburn exist and range from mild to sometimes life-threatening. According to reports by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and eMedicine (from WebMD), these dangers include, but are not limited to:

• Premature and accelerated skin aging: age spots, wrinkles
• Aggravation of existing or underlying skin disorders: eczema, rosacea, psoriasis
• Dehydration
• Photosensitivity / photoreactions
• Second-degree burns
• Secondary infection
• Shock (such as from massive fluid loss)
• Death

Long-term complications may include:

• Pre-cancerous growths
• Skin cancer

Additional studies show UV rays' connection to:

• Cataracts, corneal burns, macular degeneration, and other ocular disorders

Photosensitivity and Photoreactions

Another potential danger to UV exposure is a health problem known as photosensitivity disorder, which is typically either an oversensitivity or an allergic reaction to the sun’s rays.

Medication, taken orally or put on the skin, is one of the most well-known culprits. Certain drug ingredients are more likely to cause a reaction than others, but not everyone will experience this problem.

Conversely, if you find a photosensitivity warning on your medication or receive one from your doctor, it is very important to heed professional advice, as a reaction can occur within minutes. Some are minor, while others are more serious.

According to the FDA, some of the more common culprits include:

• Ibuprofen (Brand names: Advil, Motrin, Nuprin)
• Naproxen sodium (Brand name: Aleve)
• Tetracycline antibiotics
• Sulfa drugs
• Several drugs for irregular heartbeat
• Certain diabetic drugs
• Certain antidepressants

This list of medications or reactions is not complete, so consider the following precautions:

• Check with your physician or pharmacist for any potential photosensitive reactions to new medications, or those of concern.
• If you develop uncharacteristic sunburn in a short amount of time, medication may be to blame and would be helpful to investigate.
• Skin eruptions following sun exposure may indicate a photosensitive reaction.

Other causes of photosensitivity include chemicals applied directly to the skin; these ingredients may be found in everything from deodorants to lotions to agents used for tattoo application.

Protecting Against Damage

The majority of sun exposure occurs in childhood, so it is very important to start UV protection early in life. According to the NIH, just one blistering sunburn can double your chance of developing skin cancer later in life. Additionally, while protection such as sunscreen is helpful in preventing many dangers of sunburn, these products may be ineffective against photosensitive reactions.

If you opt for developing a tan, use products with an SPF of 15 or higher. A higher level of protection is recommended for kids, as well as the facial area and other spots exposed to UV year-round.

At Home and Medical Treatment

A variety of home and over-the-counter remedies exist for temporary sunburn relief. More severe sunburns, such as those that blister and swell (edema), should be discussed with your doctor for assessment. Treatments such as over-the-counter or prescription medications, including anti-inflammatory drugs, may be recommended. Sunburns accompanied by dizziness, fever, severe blistering, and other medical symptoms are considered serious and require medical attention.

Unfortunately, most relief will only come with time, as the sunburn heals. Topical agents may offer temporary relief and steps can be taken to minimize aggravation of the pain. For more information, see our LoveToKnow article, Sunburn Treatment.

For More Information

The NIH Web site maintains additional information on the dangers of sunburn, as well as signs and symptoms that you might require medical care. Also see LoveToKnow Sunglasses for eye wear with the best UV protection.