Sunburn |
Sunburn |
Other topics |
Definition and cause |
Sunburn is a very common skin injury caused by overexposure to ultraviolet light waves, either sunlight or artificial light, in the ultraviolet range. The sun casts light rays that range in length from very short to very long. Ultraviolet A (UVA) waves are the longest and cause only minimum burning, but they are responsible for early aging of the skin and make Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays more harmful. UVB waves are shorter and cause tanning, burning, and skin cancer. |
Conditions favorable for sunburn |
Environmental factors: Radiation is strongest at midday (10 AM to 3 PM) when the distance from the sun to earth is shortest. Exposure is greater at higher altitudes and less when the sky is hazy. Window glass screens out UVB but not UVA. Snow and water reflect ultraviolet rays, especially when the sun is directly overhead. Some rays are reflected by sand. Genetic factors: Persons with light skin and eyes are more prone to burn, while very dark-skinned people are able to tolerate more rays without damage. Medical factors: People with certain diseases such as porphyria and lupus are more sensitive to the sun's rays. Some substances increase the skin's sensitivity. For example, several medications such as barbiturates, birth control pills, sulfa drugs, and anticonvulsants, increase the skin's sensitivity. Other factors: Antiseptic soap, after-shave lotion, and colognes increase the chance of sunburn. In addition, certain foods contain chemicals that enhance the effects of ultraviolet light. These include carrots, parsley, and limes. |
Symptoms |
Redness of the skin Tissue swelling Tenderness that is characteristic of first-degree burns Blisters that are characteristic of second-degree burns Severe sunburn may be accompanied by nausea, chills, fever, abdominal cramping, and headache. Dehydration may occur. |
Long-term risks |
Excessive or long-term exposure to the sun causes permanent damage to the skin. 90% of skin cancers occur in areas that are exposed to sunlight, and rates of skin cancers are higher in parts of the world where sunlight is more intense. Studies have also shown that childhood is a crucial time for sun exposure. In general, children receive three times more sun exposure than adults, and teenagers are a high-risk group because of their desire for a suntan. |
Treatment |
It is important to stop the burning process, decrease inflammation, and rehydrate the skin. Apply cool tap water soaks, or put child in a cool water bath for 20 minutes or until the skin is cool. Then apply an oil-in-water moisturizing lotion. Avoid vaseline-type products because they trap radiant heat in the tissues. Acetaminophen (Anacin, Lipuiprin, Panadol, Tempra, Tylenol) is recommended for relief of discomfort. |
Prevention |
Observe the length of your shadow to decide when the sun's rays are most damaging. Seek protection from the sun when your shadow is shorter than your height. Protect the child when outdoors with clothing (sun hat, long-sleeved shirt, long pants). Keep infants and children out of the sun as much as possible, especially at midday. Use a carriage with a hood when taking infants outdoors. Use a canopy on a stroller for older infants. Take increased precautions when living or vacationing in the mountains or the tropics. Apply sunscreen with SPF of at least 15. Apply sunscreen to exposed areas before every exposure, on cloudy as well as sunny days, and even when the child plays in the shade. Reapply sunscreen liberally every 2-3 hours and whenever the child goes in the water or sweats heavily. Check with the child's doctor regarding any medications he is taking and observe for any evidence of side effects (rash, redness, swelling). Examine skin regularly for signs of any change in moles. Do not allow the child to use sunlamps or tanning parlors. Set a good example by following the above guidelines. |
