You already know the simple explanation behind sunburn. When your skin is exposed to the sun for a period of time, eventually it burns, turning red and irritated.

Under the skin, things get a little more complicated. The sun gives off three wavelengths of ultraviolet light:

UVA
UVB
UVC

UVC light doesn’t reach the Earth’s surface. The other two types of ultraviolet light not only reach the surface of the earth, but they penetrate your skin. Skin damage is caused by both UVA and UVB rays.

Sunburn is the most obvious sign that you’ve been exposed to the sun’s rays too long. Sun damage isn’t always visible. Under the surface, ultraviolet light can alter your DNA, prematurely aging your skin. Over time, DNA damage can contribute to skin cancers, including deadly melanoma.

How soon a sunburn begins depends on:
Your skin type
The sun’s intensity
How long you’re exposed to the sun

A red-haired, blue-eyed woman sunbathing in Rio de Janeiro will redden far sooner than an olive-complexioned woman sitting out on a sunny day in Minneapolis.

Treatment:
Apply cold compresses to your skin or take a cool bath to soothe the burn.

To take the sting out of your sunburn, gently rub on a cream or gel containing ingredients such as:
Menthol
Camphor
Aloe

Refrigerating the cream first will make it feel even better on your sunburned skin.

Drink plenty of water and other fluids so that you don’t become dehydrated.

Avoid the sun until your sunburn heals.

You may be able to treat the sunburn yourself. Call for a doctor’s help if you notice any of these more serious sunburn signs:
Fever of 102 degrees or higher
Chills
Severe pain
Sunburn blisters that cover 20% or more of your body
Dry mouth, thirst, reduced urination, dizziness, and fatigue, which are signs of dehydration

#sunburn