formerly University of Missouri-Rolla
Sunburn

 

Sunburn is a condition resulting from an over exposure of the skin to Ultraviolet (UV) rays found in sunlight. Everyone, even dark skinned persons, are at risk for sunburn. Fair skinned, blue eyed blondes and redheads are especially susceptible.

Redness, pain, swelling, and even blistering can occur from this over exposure. Peeling usually follows several days later. The pain of a sunburn is usually greatest between 6 and 48 hours after exposure.

Sunburn Prevention (see Sun Safety)

  • Try to avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. when its rays are strongest

  • Use a sunscreen with SPF of 15 or greater at all times. Use a waterproof product if swimming or exercising and reapply according to directions.

  • Beware of cloudy days, you can still burn then

  • Don't use sunlamps, reflectors, or tanning beds. They produce high levels of ultraviolet radiation!

  • Be informed about any medications you are taking and their side effects. Many types of medications react badly to sun exposure.

Sunburn Treatment

  • First you must stop the burn
    • Use cool wet compresses for first 48 hours. Some report baking soda or vinegar compresses are comforting. Do not use ice.
    • Cool oatmeal baths (Aveeno, etc.) may be helpful

    May use aloe in first 48 hour

    • NO lotions or petroleum jelly in the first 48 hours!! These hold in the heat!

    • Apply moisturizing lotions after 48 hours

    • Aspirin taken as directed on the label may help ease pain

    Seek medical attention if fever, fluid-filled blisters, dizziness or visual disturbances are present

    Long Term Effects

    The sun weakens the skin's elasticity leading to premature aging, such as early wrinkles and a tough, leathery look. Over exposure also leads to the development of flat, scaly, reddish patches called Solar Keratoses, which sometimes are precancerous. The most serious consequence of over exposure to the sun is skin cancer. Over 700,000 new cases of this most common form of cancer occur each year. No tan is a safe tan.

    Are You at High Risk for Skin Cancer?

    Take the following test and add up the points to gauge your risk of skin cancer:

 

Hair Color:

  • blonde/red - 4
  • brown - 3
  • black - 1

 Eye Color:

  • blue/green - 4
  • hazel - 3
  • brown - 2

 Freckles:

  • many - 5
  • some - 3
  • none - 1

 After one hour exposure to sun, you:

  • burn, maybe blister - 4
  • burn, then tan - 3
  • tan - 1

 Your job is:

  • outdoors - 4
  • mixed - 3
  • indoors - 2

 Do you have a family member who has had skin cancer:

  • yes - 5
  • no - 1

 Before age 18, you lived in the U.S. in the:

  • South - 4
  • Midwest - 3
  • North - 2
  

 

If your score was:

  • 10 to 15 you have below average risk

  • 16 to 22 you have average risk

  • 23 to 25 you have high risk

  • 26 to 30 you have a very high risk of developing skin cancer at some point.