Research in Clinical Dermatology

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Opinion Article - Research in Clinical Dermatology (2023) Volume 6, Issue 2

The dangers of sunburn and ways to protect the skin.

Yifeng Feng*

College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China

*Corresponding Author:
Yifeng Feng
College of Horticulture
Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China
E-mail: yifengfeng@nwsuaf.edu.cn

Received: 27-Feb-2023, Manuscript No. AARCD-23-91742; Editor assigned: 01-Mar-2023, PreQC No. AARCD-23-91742 (PQ); Reviewed: 15-Mar-2023, QC No. AARCD-23-91742; Revised: 17-Mar-2023, Manuscript No. AARCD-23-91742 (R); Published: 24-Mar-2023, DOI: 10.35841/aarcd-6.2.137

Citation: Feng Y. The dangers of sunburn and ways to protect the skin. Res Clin Dermatol. 2023;6(2):137

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Abstract

Sunburn is a common skin condition caused by overexposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. It can range from mild redness to severe blistering and can occur on any part of the body that is exposed to the sun. Sunburn is not only painful and uncomfortable, but it can also have long-term effects on the health of the skin. Sunburn is caused by exposure to UV radiation from the sun. When UV radiation penetrates the skin, it damages the DNA in the skin cells, which can lead to inflammation, redness, and pain. The intensity of UV radiation is measured on the UV index scale, with higher numbers indicating greater risk of sunburn.

Keywords

Sunburn, Radiation, Itching, Redness.

Introduction

Certain factors can increase the risk of sunburn, including: time of day: UV radiation is strongest between 10 am and 4 pm, location: UV radiation is more intense at higher altitudes and closer to the equator, skin color: people with lighter skin are more susceptible to sunburn than those with darker skin, medications: certain medications, such as antibiotics and some birth control pills, can make skin more sensitive to the sun. The symptoms of sunburn can vary depending on the severity of the burn. Mild sunburn can cause redness, tenderness, and itching, while more severe sunburn can cause blistering, swelling, and even fever. It's important to note that the symptoms of sunburn can take several hours to develop, and they can continue to worsen over the next 24-48 hours. Therefore, it's essential to take steps to prevent sunburn before going outside. The best way to prevent sunburn is to limit exposure to the sun's UV rays, seek shade: if possible, stay in the shade between 10 am and 4 pm, when the sun's UV rays are the strongest, wear protective clothing: wearing longsleeved shirts, pants, and a hat with a wide brim can protect skin from the sun's rays, applying sunscreen: use a broadspectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher [1,2].

Apply it generously to all exposed skin, and reapply every two hours or more often while sweating or swimming. If affected by sunburn, there are several things to ease the pain and discomfort, Cool the skin: take a cool bath or shower, or apply a cold compress to the affected area can help reduce inflammation and pain, Moisturize: apply a moisturizer or aloe vera gel to the affected area to help soothe and hydrate the skin, Take pain relievers: over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help relieve the pain and reduce inflammation. It's important to note that severe sunburn, particularly if it covers a large area of the body, can be a medical emergency. While sunburn is usually a temporary condition that heals within a few days, repeated exposure to the sun's UV rays can have long-term effects on the health of skin. Over time, UV radiation can cause premature aging, wrinkles, and age spots. It can also increase the risk of developing skin cancer, including melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer [3,4].

Therefore, it's essential to take steps to protect skin from the sun's UV rays, such as wearing protective clothing, seeking shade, and using sunscreen. UV rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation that comes from the sun. There are two types of UV rays that reach the earth's surface: UVA and UVB. While both types of UV rays can have an effect on the skin, they have different wavelengths and therefore affect the skin in different ways. UVA rays have a longer wavelength than UVB rays and can penetrate deeper into the skin. They can cause premature aging, such as wrinkles, and can also contribute to the development of skin cancer. UVB rays have a shorter wavelength than UVA rays and are responsible for sunburns. They can also contribute to the development of skin cancer. When the skin is exposed to UV rays, it produces melanin, a pigment that gives the skin its color [5].

Conclusion

Melanin helps to protect the skin from further damage from UV rays, but it can only do so much. If the skin is exposed to too much UV radiation, it can become damaged. The effects of UV rays on the skin depend on a number of factors, including the person's skin type, the intensity and duration of the UV exposure, and whether or not the person is wearing sun protection. People with fair skin, red or blonde hair, and blue or green eyes are more susceptible to UV damage than people with darker skin, hair, and eyes. This is because darker skin contains more melanin, which provides some protection against UV radiation. The effects of UV rays on the skin can be immediate or they can take years to appear. Sunburn is an immediate effect of UV radiation on the skin. It can cause redness, pain, and swelling, and can even lead to blistering in severe cases. Over time, repeated exposure to UV radiation can cause premature aging, such as wrinkles and age spots, as well as an increased risk of skin cancer.

References

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