Sunburn is the skin's reaction to the ultraviolet radiation (UV) in sunlight. Although sunlight can be seen and the heat generated (infrared radiation) felt, UV radiation cannot be seen or felt and even on cool, cloudy days moderate exposure can damage skin. It should be remembered that dark skin contains a larger amount of melanin than fair skin and, by absorbing more solar radiation, offers more protection.
Symptoms Of Sunburn
Symptoms and severity of sunburn can vary from person to person but certain signs are consistent with UV damage:
- pain
- skin feels hot to the touch
- skin colour changes - ranging pink through red
- swelling
- itching fluid filled blisters prone to break
- broken blisters peel revealing tender skin
- tan on fair skin indicates skin is trying to repair damage
Why Does Skin Peel After Sunburn?
Peeling following sunburn is the body's way of removing damaged cells. Damaged cells are capable of developing into cancerous cells and the body's natural defence mechanisms instruct the damaged cells to commit suicide. This mass suicide results in layers of skin peeling off to be replaced by fresh skin underneath. The peeling of skin is therefore a naturally protective measure undertaken by the body.
UVA, UVB and UVC Radiation
As well as light and heat, the sun also emits invisible ultraviolet radiation. UV radiation can pass though thin clouds and be reflected by surfaces such as concrete, sand, snow and water. The three types of UV radiation, based on their respective wavelengths, are UVA, UVB and UVC. The Earth's atmosphere absorbs almost all of the most dangerous UVC rays before they reach the surface. UVA and UVB are both involved in sunburn with the skin reacting differently to each.
- UVA - penetrates into the deep skin layers and damages sites where new skin layers are created. Wrinkles and a lack of elasticity in the skin can be indicative of long term exposure to UVA radiation.
- UVB - can damage the surface skin layer, causing the body to release chemicals that dilate blood vessels. This leads to fluid leakage and inflammation, more commonly referred to as sunburn.
Preventing Sunburn
The safest response to UV radiation is to prevent sunburn completely and there are a number of ways to protect the skin from damage.
- Apply 30+ sunscreen to unprotected skin, wear a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses.
- UV levels are at their highest between 1100 and 1500 hours.
- UV radiation is not only problematic on hot days.
- Water is an efficient reflector of UV radiation.
- Snow is an efficient reflector of UV radiation and UV levels are higher in alpine areas.
- Avoid tanning parlours.
- Windburn is actually sunburn.
- Protect babies and children from the sun at all times.
Enjoy But Respect The Sun
The sun can be enjoyed safely but care must be taken to avoid the risks of UV radiation. Excessive exposure damages the skin permanently and can cause skin cancer, including the dangerous malignant melanoma.
Reference:
Victoria Government Of Australia
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