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Top 10 Sunburn Facts and Tips

Jul 16, 2024 NBDPS

by: Robin Lewallen, M.D. As we enjoy the beautiful Newport Beach sunshine, it's crucial to understand the risks of sunburn and how to protect our skin. At Newport Beach Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, we're committed to helping you maintain healthy, radiant skin. Understanding Sunburns A sunburn is a type of skin damage caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial UV radiation sources like tanning beds. It typically appears as red, inflamed skin that feels hot to the touch and can be painful. The prevalence of sunburns is more widespread than you might think, with 31.5% of U.S. adults reporting getting sunburned in 2015 and more than 33,000 people visiting emergency rooms for sunburn treatment each year in the U.S. Here are our top 10 sunburn facts and tips:

UVB Rays Are the Primary Culprit

Sunburns are mainly caused by UVB rays, which damage the outer layers of your skin. UVB rays are also more closely linked to the development of melanoma than UVA rays. Just five sunburns can double your risk of developing melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. UVB radiation is absorbed by chromophores in skin cells which can trigger cell death (apoptosis). These dead or damaged “sunburn cells” eventually shough off resulting in the peeling often associated with sunburns.

Inflammation is Key

The redness, swelling, and pain from sunburn are due to your body's inflammatory response to UV damage. This process involves a complex inflammatory cascade. The release of nitric oxide results in blood vessel dilation causing the appearance of redness and warmth. The release of prostaglandins and cytokines result in swelling and pain which can ultimately lead to blistering.

Symptoms Progress

Sunburn symptoms typically evolve from initial redness to pain (4-6 hours), increased redness, pain and blistering (24-48 hours) and eventual peeling as your skin heals (3-8 days). Moderate to severe burns can take 1-3 weeks to heal. The damage from sunburns is cumulative, meaning each incident contributes to long-term skin damage.

Long-Term Risks

Each sunburn increases your risk of skin cancer and accelerates visible signs of aging, such as wrinkles, fine lines, and sun spots. Just five blistering sunburns between ages 15 and 20 can increase melanoma risk by 80%. UV radiation is a known carcinogen, increasing the risk of multiple types of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

Prevention is Crucial

Use broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen, wear protective clothing like hats, sunglasses and/or UPF clothing, and seek shade, especially between 10 am and 4 pm. Regular daily use of SPF 15 or higher sunscreen can reduce melanoma risk by 50%. Reapplication of sunscreens every 2 hours or more frequently if swimming or sweating.

Risky Activities

Be extra cautious during water activities, outdoor work, and vacations, as these are common situations for getting sunburned. Swimming or spending time in water accounts for 32.5% of reported sunburn incidents. Other common activities are working outside (26.2%) or travel/vacation (20.7%). Even on overcast days, up to 80% of UV rays can penetrate clouds!

Irreversible Damage

Once a sunburn occurs, the damage to skin cells cannot be reversed. Focus on symptom management and healing. Even a single blistering sunburn in childhood or adolescence can nearly double your lifetime risk of melanoma.

Effective Treatments

Manage sunburn with cool compresses, aloe vera, moisturizers, and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory agents like ibuprofen (Advil) and/or pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol). However, many common treatments have limited effectiveness in clinical studies. Avoid popping blisters and let your skin peel naturally. Using a bland emollient like Vaseline or Aquaphor can aid in the healing process.

Stay Hydrated

Sunburns can lead to dehydration, so increase your fluid intake, especially if you're using pain relievers. Severe sunburns can cause "third spacing" of fluids, potentially leading to intravascular dehydration. Drinking plenty of water helps replenish lost fluids and supports skin healing.

Watch for Severe Symptoms

If you experience fever, chills, or severe pain, seek medical attention immediately. Extreme cases can lead to sun poisoning or hyperthermia, which are serious conditions requiring immediate care. Severe sunburns can also temporarily weaken your body's ability to fight off infections. When to See a Dermatologist While most sunburns can be treated at home, you should consult a dermatologist, urgent care provider or emergency room if you experience: - Severe blistering - High fever or chills - Dizziness or confusion - Signs of infection (increased pain, swelling, or pus) At Newport Beach Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, we're here to help you maintain healthy skin and address any concerns you may have about sun damage. Remember, every sunburn increases your risk of skin cancer, so prevention is key. Enjoy the summer safely, and don't hesitate to reach out if you need professional skin care advice or treatment. Stay sun-smart and enjoy our beautiful Newport Beach weather safely! For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Newport Beach Dermatology and Plastic Surgery at 949-706-7886. Sources Sunburn - The Skin Cancer Foundation https://www.skincancer.org/risk-factors/sunburn/ 9 Ways to Lower Skin Cancer Risk > News > Yale Medicine https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/9-ways-to-lower-skin-cancer-risk Reducing Risk for Skin Cancer - CDC https://www.cdc.gov/skin-cancer/prevention/index.html

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