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Sunburn: More Than Just a Red Face?
Published: Oct 14, 2023
Sunburn is more than just a temporary discomfort. It's a sign of skin damage that can have long-lasting effects on your health.
What Exactly Is Sunburn?
Sunburn is an inflammatory response of the skin to excessive UV radiation exposure. It's caused by both UVA and UVB rays, but UVB is the main culprit. Think of it like your skin sending up a red flag, saying 'Whoa, that was too much sun!'
The Sunburn Timeline
Sunburn doesn't appear instantly. It usually shows up 3-5 hours after sun exposure, peaks at 12-24 hours, and starts to fade after 72 hours. It's like a delayed reaction, giving you time to regret not applying that sunscreen!
More Than Skin Deep
Severe sunburn isn't just about red skin. It can come with blisters, fever, nausea, and even dehydration. In these cases, it's more than a cosmetic issue - it's a medical concern that might require professional attention.
The Long-Term Impact
Each sunburn increases your risk of skin cancer, including melanoma. It's like each burn is a tally mark on your skin's scorecard. Repeated sunburns can also lead to premature aging, wrinkles, and sunspots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, all skin types can burn, though it may be less visible.
No, a tan offers very little protection against future UV damage.
Absolutely! Up to 80% of UV rays can penetrate clouds.
Yes, UV intensity increases about 4% for every 1000 feet above sea level.
UVA rays can penetrate glass, so yes, it's possible.
The Bottom Line
Sunburn is a clear sign that your skin has been damaged, and prevention is key to maintaining healthy skin and reducing cancer risk.
References
- Young AR. Acute effects of UVR on human eyes and skin. Prog Biophys Mol Biol 2006; 92:80.
- Chang YM, et al. Sun exposure and melanoma risk at different latitudes: a pooled analysis of 5700 cases and 7216 controls. Int J Epidemiol 2009; 38:814.
- Holman DM, et al. Sunburn prevalence among US adults, National Health Interview Survey 2005, 2010, and 2015. J Am Acad Dermatol 2019; 80:817.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
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