Sunburn is caused by over-exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun, particularly UVB rays, which can also lead to skin cancer. Sunburn makes the skin inflamed and feel hot to the touch, it is uncomfortable and can be damaging to the skin causing peeling and wrinkling.
Symptoms
According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of sunburn include: soreness and redness of the skin, inflammation, blisters filled with fluid, fatigue and headache. Sunburn and subsequent skin peeling can occur on any part of your body including your lips, scalp, ears and eyes.
Causes
The skin becomes sunburned when the sun's ultraviolet rays stimulate the production of the pigment melanin in the epidermis, or the skin's outer layer. Melanin protects the skin from harmful solar radiation, but by the time you get sunburn, the cells of your skin have already become damaged. The red color of sunburned skin is the result of your body responding to the damage by increasing the blood flow to the dermis, or the second layer of the skin, in order to bring in cells to repair the damage. According to Skin Cancer Dermis, sunburned skin peels so that the body can get rid of the damaged cells before they become cancerous. Damaged skin is lost and replaced by new cells from underneath.
Treatment
According to Derma Doctor, if you have sunburn and peeling skin you should apply cold compresses at regular intervals, take an oral pain killer such as ibuprofen and apply a soothing moisturizer like aloe vera gel. Derma Doctor also recommends drinking plenty of water to rehydrate your body, and if necessary, apply a topical anesthetic such as Caladryl Clear Lotion.
Prevention/Solution
According to Merck, the best way to prevent sunburn is to avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. When you are out in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen on any part of your body that is exposed, such as your face, arms and legs. Water is not a good filter of ultra-violet rays, so you will need to apply sunblock frequently if you are swimming.
Warnings
Frequent exposure to the sun can put you at a higher risk of developing skin cancer. The Skin Cancer Foundation explains that in order to get full protection from sunscreen you should apply 1 ounce 30 minutes before you go out in the sun and you should reapply the same amount at least every two hours or immediately after swimming. Use an SPF, or sun protection factor, of at least 15 and be sure the sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
