Sunburn

What is Sunburn?

Sunburn occurs when your skin suffers damage due to excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, commonly from the sun. UV radiation is invisible and undetectable by touch, meaning you may not realize you’re getting sunburned. Unlike other types of burns, sunburn is a radiation burn, which develops more gradually, so you may not feel the effects immediately. In Australia, approximately 25% of adolescents and nearly 17% of adults experience sunburn on summer weekends1,2, with about half of these instances occurring during everyday activities.3 While sunburn does heal, the damage it causes can significantly raise the risk of skin cancer. A study revealed that Caucasian women who had at least five blistering sunburns between the ages of 15 and 20 were 68% more likely to develop basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, and had an 80% higher risk of melanoma.4

Does a Tan Protect Me From Sunburn?

The simple answer is no. When exposed to UV radiation, your skin responds by producing more melanin, the pigment responsible for the skin’s color. This additional melanin leads to tanning, which is your skin’s attempt to shield itself from UV rays. However, a tan offers only minimal protection, meaning you can still get sunburned even with a tan.5 A tan indicates that your skin has already been damaged by UV radiation and does not signify healthy skin.

Signs of Sunburn

Sunburn is an immediate inflammatory response of the skin caused by excessive UV exposure. During summer, sunburn symptoms may appear as soon as 11 minutes after exposure and can include:6

• Skin color changes ranging from pink to red or even purple. This usually happens within two to six hours after sun exposure, and may continue to develop for up to 72 hours.
• Skin that feels warm or hot to the touch.
• Painful or itchy skin.
• Swelling and tenderness.
• Blisters, some of which may break open.
• Peeling skin as it heals.

In severe cases, sunburn can also cause fever, chills, headaches, nausea, vomiting, and dehydration.7

What is Heatstroke?

Heatstroke is a severe medical condition that occurs when your body becomes dangerously overheated, usually due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures or intense physical activity in the heat. Heatstroke is an emergency, and if you notice any of the following signs, you should immediately call for an ambulance (000):8 Rapid, shallow breathing and quick pulse

• Headache, nausea, or vomiting
• Sudden rise in body temperature to above 40.5°C
• Hot, dry skin with no sweating
• Dizziness, confusion, seizures, or loss of consciousness
• Problems with coordination
• Difficulty speaking
• Uncharacteristic behavior or aggression
• Swollen, dry tongue

What Causes Sunburn?

Sunburn is the result of UV radiation, primarily from the sun. UV rays can penetrate through clouds and can even be reflected off surfaces like water, sand, snow, and even concrete and buildings. Australia experiences some of the highest levels of UV radiation worldwide.9 There are three types of UV radiation: UVA, UVB, and UVC.10 UVC is the most harmful form, but nearly all of it is absorbed by the earth’s atmosphere, while UVA and UVB rays are not.

• UVA rays can penetrate deep into the skin, reaching areas where new skin cells grow. High levels of UVA cause premature aging, but they also contribute to sunburn, skin damage, and an increased risk of skin cancer.
• UVB rays are primarily responsible for sunburn, and they are even more dangerous than UVA rays, as they play a significant role in the development of skin cancer.11 UVB is also responsible for tanning, burning, and skin damage.

Solariums (tanning beds) also emit intense and harmful UV radiation that can be up to six times stronger than the midday sun.12 Due to their significant link to skin cancer, commercial solariums are banned in Australia.

The UV Index

The UV index is a scale that measures the amount of UV radiation at a given place and time. UV radiation levels vary depending on factors like geographic location, altitude, time of day, season, and cloud cover.13 The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) monitors the UV index in all of Australia’s capital cities and provides real-time data daily. The UV index is divided into these categories:

• Low (1-2)
• Moderate (3-5)
• High (6-7)
• Very High (8-10)
• Extreme (11+)

You can use the UV index to determine the level of sun protection needed. It is reported daily in Australian newspapers and on the Bureau of Meteorology website. You can also download the free SunSmart app for daily updates. For low UV, sun protection isn’t necessary unless you’re outside for extended periods or near reflective surfaces like snow or water. For a UV index of 3 or higher, sun protection is strongly recommended.14

Who Is at Risk of Sunburn?

While everyone can experience sunburn, certain factors increase the likelihood of getting sunburned. These include15:

• Having fair skin, blue eyes, or red or blond hair
• Living in a warm climate or at high altitudes
• Spending a lot of time outdoors, particularly if your job requires outdoor work
• Exposing unprotected skin to UV radiation (such as sunlight or tanning beds), especially when the UV index is high
• Mixing alcohol with outdoor activities
• Taking photosensitizing medications, which make your skin more prone to burning

What Are the Complications of Sunburn?

The primary complication of sunburn is the increased risk of developing skin cancers. Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer globally, with at least two-thirds of Australians being diagnosed with it before they turn 70. In Australia, sun exposure is responsible for around 99% of non-melanoma skin cancers and 95% of melanoma skin cancers.17 In addition to cancer risk, sunburn also causes skin damage and accelerates premature aging. The signs of skin aging due to sunburn can include18:

• Deep wrinkles
• Rough, dry skin
• Decreased strength and elasticity of the skin
• The appearance of fine red veins on the cheeks, nose, and ears
• Freckles
• Age spots

How to Treat Sunburn

While there is no cure for sunburn, the focus of treatment is to alleviate symptoms and promote healing. Mild cases of sunburn can be effectively managed at home by following these steps19,20:

• Take cool or lukewarm showers, or apply cold compresses to the affected skin
• Avoid soap, as it may irritate the skin further
• If the skin is not too painful, apply moisturizer to help maintain skin hydration
• Use spray-on products for relief if the sunburn is too painful to rub in, consult your Pharmacist for recommendations
• Drink plenty of water to help with dehydration
• Take over-the-counter pain medications if necessary
• Do not pop any blisters
• Stay out of the sun until your skin is fully healed
• Wear loose, soft clothing to avoid further irritation to the skin

As your skin begins to peel, resist the urge to pick at it; allow it to naturally shed on its own.

When Should You See a Doctor About Your Sunburn?

In some cases, it’s essential to seek medical attention for your sunburn. You should visit your doctor if:21,22

• The sunburn is severe, with extensive blistering and significant pain
• The sunburn is widespread across large areas of your body
• You experience headache, nausea, or vomiting
• You develop fever, dizziness, or altered states of consciousness
• The sunburn affects an infant under 18 months of age
• Your eyes are painful, which may indicate sun damage to your eyes
• The extent of the sunburn seems disproportionate to the amount of exposure, especially if you are taking prescribed medications

What’s the Best Way to Prevent Sunburn?

Thankfully, you can prevent sunburn by adopting a combination of five essential sun protection measures. These include:23

• Slip, Wear protective clothing that covers as much skin as possible
• Slop, Apply SPF 30 (or higher) water-resistant sunscreen that offers protection from both UVA and UVB rays, about 20 minutes before heading outdoors, and reapply every two hours
• Slap, Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face, neck, ears, and head
• Seek, Stay in the shade whenever possible
• Slide, Wear wrap-around sunglasses that meet Australian Standard AS/NZS 1067

It is important to remember that sunscreen is not recommended for babies under six months old. Therefore, keeping them out of direct sunlight is crucial.