Sunburn is the reddening of the skin resulting from overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation through the sun’s UV rays. The initial signs of sunburn appear around five to seven hours after exposure and peak at 12 to 24 hours. However, the starting point is earlier and the severity more considerable with increased exposure. Remember, sunburn can happen in as little as 10 to 20 minutes.
After a few hours of heavy sun exposure, you might see or feel tenderness and warmth in the skin, swelling, redness and, in severe cases, blistering, itching, rash and occasionally nausea, fever or chills. Several days later, it is common for the skin to peel, which can continue for several weeks.
After sun exposure, the skin undergoes two changes - immediate and delayed darkening. Immediate darkening can occur within hours and delayed starts three to four days after exposure and lasts 10 to 15 days.
Sunlight consists of two types of UV radiation - UVB and UVA. Both UVB and UVA can cause freckling, skin wrinkling and the development of skin cancer. However, UVB is stronger and is the main cause of sunburn and skin cancer. The World Health Organization recommends limiting time in the midday sun (10am and 4pm), and using proper sun protection such as hats and light-coloured clothing.
Do not forget that premature ageing, wrinkling, age spots and skin cancer are the result of unprotected sun exposure, so even if it is cloudy, you are in your car or in the swimming pool, you are exposed to the hazardous rays. Sunburn does not only occur in hot weather, but also any light reflecting conditions such as snow, sand and water. When your skin is exposed to UV rays, it produces a pigment called melanin to help protect itself against the sunlight. However, this does not stop premature ageing and skin cancer.
Immediate self-care includes covering exposed skin and getting out of the sun. Taking a cool shower/bath or placing a cold compress with water or Burow solution (available from pharmacies) on the area helps.
In case of blistering, use a dry bandage and have a cool bath with no bath salts and avoid rubbing, shaving and scrubbing the skin. In addition, use high quality moisturisers which are lanolin and fragrance-free, drink plenty of fluids, use a soft towel and gently pat your skin dry to avoid popping or breaking the blisters and then cover blisters with gauze. Continue your moisturising regimen while your skin is peeling and, most importantly, give your body a rest from the sun.
If there are any signs of fever, rapid breathing, nausea, serious dehydration, heat stress or shock, call an emergency health centre without delay.
With thanks to Hossein Yavari, MD, Specialist Dermatology.