Sunburn
Introduction:
Spending long periods of time in the sun or facing a harsh sun when attributed with a sensitive derma or skin may lead to the formation of a kind of rash that is known very commonly as the sunburn. Sunburns need to be avoided as they deteriorate the dermal tissues. A rather severe sunburn, that is, one which does not show signs of healing within around a week needs immediate medical attention. Infants affected by skin burns must be immediately shown to a doctor. Unfortunately most people do not react to the symptoms unless, when quite serious.
Symptoms:
Sunburns are attributed usually to the following common symptoms:
• Pain in the area of sunburn on the skin surface
• Reddening of the skin surface which has been affected
• Abnormally warm epidermal surface after long-time exposure to the sun.
A severe sunburn can result in nausea too. Overexposure to the sun may also lead to dryness of derma, wrinkles and cancer. There are three types of skin cancers:
• Basal cell carcinomas (80%) : These are the most easily treated. They usually furnish on the skin epidermal surface as slow-growing, raised areas that may crust or bleed. These frequent face, neck and hands.

• Squamous cell carcinomas (16%) : This surfaces on the skin as pink or red scaly bumps.

• Malignant melanomas (4%) : These usually begin as a dark brown or black flat spots with irregular borders that later can change their shape or color.

If symptoms such as:
• Severe pain
• Fever
• Pus filled blisters
persist over a long period, then you will know that it is time to get in contact with a medical practitioner.
Treatment:
Treatment of sunburn usually involves the following:
• Submerge the area that has been affected in cold running water
• Cold compresses
• Repeated sun exposure to be avoided
• Moisturizing and soothing lotions
• Take care that you do not break the fluid filled blisters

Precautions:
• Effective clothing like hats and light coloured cotton garments. These help in absorbing energy and hence keep one cooler.
• Avoiding sun exposure in peak sunlight hours that is between 10:00 a.m. to 03:00 p.m.
• Sunscreen products preferably an SPF- 15 or higher level of SPF so as to prevent oneself from harmful cancer causing ultraviolet sun rays. Nevertheless these are to be applied properly and in considerable amounts. The best way to apply sunscreen is to work down. Begin with the face, ears, neck, arms and hands, then the chest, abdomen, thighs, legs, feet, and then let someone else get your shoulders and back well covered.
• SPF-30 is recommended for full day beach wear. Sun protection formulae come as low as SPF-2. However these have no satisfactory effect and in no way can they protect one’s skin from sunburns. People with highly sensitive skin must go in for a reasonable amount of protective clothing and sunscreens with higher SPF.