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Sunburn

Sunburn - How Sunburn Damages Skin?

Sunburn:

Some people tan while some people never tan, but get burnt when they are out in the sun. It depends upon the amount of melanin in the skin. More the melanin, darker the skin. Those who don't have the defense of melanin, suffer burning of skin when exposed to sun. Melanin protects skin from the UV radiation by protecting the skin cells. Therefore the sunrays damage those who have a tendency of getting burnt. Repeated burns may cause skin cancers. Lets find out more about how the skin burns in the sun and what one can do to protect the skin.

Sunburn - Symptoms

Sunburn does not appear immediately after exposure. It may be some hours after which the skin becomes red and painful. Sun burnt area may also suffer from swelling. Some blisters may form and fever may be present. The effect of sunburn is worst after about 6 hours of exposure.

Sunburn- Causes

In people, the difference in skin color and the color of eyes largely depends upon the geographical area. Those who live near the equator have the darkest skin color and those staying near the poles have the lightest skin color. Fitzpatrick did the division of skin, on the basis of how it will react to sun. The division is known as the Fitzpatrick skin type, or phototype of the skin.

The first three types of skin have more tendencies to burn than to tan. The first type will never tan but burn when exposed to sun. Similarly the last type - type six will never burn but always tan. Those who have skin types from one to three face the danger of sunburn. Sunburn may be as bad as a second-degree burn and excessive sunburn may also cause death.

Sunburn- Damage

Sunburn releases toxins in the skin and repeated sunburns accelerate the skin aging. Sunspots may form, wrinkles may appear sooner and aging is much faster. Along with aging, the probability of getting skin cancer also increases. It is therefore important that you protect yourself from sunburns.

Sunburn- Treatment And Prevention

If the sunburn is minor, you may get relief by taking painkillers, taking cold baths, applying cooling aloe Vera lotions and using moisturizers. You should consult a doctor if blisters appear or if you get fever.

This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.

The author CD Mohatta writes on skin care, diseases, treatments & STDs for doctorgoodskin. He also writes for myspace graphics and myspace comments.