Sunburn

About sunlight exposure

Direct sunlight can have beneficial effects (e.g. in vitamin D synthesis which is good for your bone). However, the ultraviolet radiation of sunlight can cause detrimental effects. There are two major components of ultraviolet radiation, i.e. Ultraviolet A (UVA) and Ultraviolet B (UVB). UVA triggers skin reactions associated with certain medications (e.g. oral contraceptives, some anti-malarials, etc.), and also plays a large role in the photoaging process. UVB can cause damage to the skin (sunburn, skin cancer) and the eye (snow blindness).

Signs and symptoms of sunburn

In mild cases :

• Red swollen, painful and sometimes blistered skin.
  
  
• Tanning or peeling of skin after recovery.

In severe cases :

• Mental disturbance.
  
  
• Vomiting.
  
  
• Body temperature > 38.5°C.
  
  
• Pain or fever for longer than 48 hours.

Prevention of Sunburn

• Travellers should avoid exposure to sun between noon and 3:00 p.m.
  
  
• Wear a loose-fitting, light-coloured hat with a wide brim.
  
  
• Protect the eyes by wearing good quality sunglasses, especially when skiing or trekking in snow.
  
  
• Use a sun block with a sun protection factor (SPF) greater than 15. SPF of fifteen means that for a given light condition it takes 15 times longer to develop redness with the screen than without. Reapply after swimming or sweating.
  
  
• Another alternative is to use a physical blocker such as Zinc-oxide ointment. It offers maximum protection and must be reapplied frequently.
  
  
• If one wants to get a good sun-tan, sun exposure must be done slowly and cautiously. For example, first day 5-10 minutes each side, second day 10-15 minutes each side, then increase 5 minutes each side per day.
  
  
• Be extra careful if you are having oral contraceptive or taking doxycycline for prevention of malaria.
  

Treatment

• Apply moisturizing cream to reduce heat and pain.
  
  
• Do not puncture blisters because this increases the chance of wound infection.
  
  
• Pat the skin dry; do not rub to avoid further damage.
  
  
• Use aspirin to reduce the pain and lower the temperature.
  
  
• Keep pressure off burned skin to help relieve pain.