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Sunburn

Author: ayurvedic1 | Posted: 06.10.2008 | Views: 33

Sunburn results from too much sun or sun-equivalent exposure. Almost everyone has been sunburned or will become sunburned at some time. Anyone who visits a beach, goes fishing, works in the yard, or simply is out in the sun can get sunburn. Improper tanning bed use is also a source of sunburn. Although seldom fatal (sun poisoning), sunburn can be disabling and cause quite a bit of discomfort.

To investigate, researchers studied 20 healthy, sun-sensitive volunteers to test whether or not topical corticosteroids could offer quick sunburn relief. All participants had their upper backs exposed to UV-emitting lamps; some areas of their skin were treated beforehand with a moderate- or high-strength corticosteroid cream, while other areas were treated 6 and 23 hours after the UV exposure. One area of skin was left untreated. Then the volunteers' sunburns were examined one hour after the last corticosteroid application. It was found that in areas of skin treated before UV exposure, the creams did seem to lessen redness. However, the creams did not help in treating skin after UV exposure.

Unlike a thermal burn, sunburn is not immediately apparent. Symptoms usually start about 4 hours after sun exposure, worsen in 24-36 hours, and resolve in 3-5 days. In mild sunburn, the skin becomes red, warm, and tender. More serious burns are painful, and the skin becomes swollen and may blister. When a large area is burned, headache, fever, nausea, and fatigue may develop. The pain from sunburn is worse 6-48 hours after sun exposure. Skin peeling usually begins 3-8 days after exposure. Severe sunburns can be serious in babies, small children, and older adults. Years of overexposure to the sun lead to premature wrinkling, aging of the skin, age spots, and increase in the risk of skin cancer.

Sunburn does not just happen in hot weather - reflection of light off the snow can also cause sunburn. Although a breeze, cloudy sky or swimming may make you feel cooler, the sunlight can still get through to damage your skin.

Home treatment measures may provide some relief from a mild sunburn. Use cool cloths on sunburned areas.Take frequent cool showers or baths. Apply soothing lotions that contain aloe vera to sunburned areas. Topical steroids (such as 1% hydrocortisone cream) may also help with sunburn pain and swelling. Note: Do not use the cream on children younger than age 2 unless your doctor tells you to. Do not use in the rectal or vaginal area in children younger than age 12 unless your doctor tells you to.

In phototoxic reactions, the drug may become activated by exposure to sunlight and cause damage to the skin. The skin's appearance resembles sunburn, and the process is generally acute (has a fast onset). Ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation is most commonly associated with phototoxicity, but ultraviolet B (UVB) and visible light may also contribute to this reaction.

A phototoxic reaction typically clears up once the drug is discontinued and has been cleared from the body, even after re-exposure to light.

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