What is sunburn?

Sunburn is a visible reaction of the skin's exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, the invisible rays that are part of sunlight. Ultraviolet rays can also cause invisible damage to the skin. Excessive and/or multiple sunburns cause premature aging of the skin and lead to skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the US and exposure to the sun is the leading cause of skin cancer.

Sunburn results from too much sun or sun-equivalent exposure. Almost everyone has been sunburned or will become sunburned at some time in their life. Anyone who has visited a beach, gone fishing, worked in the yard, or simply been out in the sun can get sunburn. Improper tanning bed use is also a source of sunburn. Although seldom fatal, sunburn can be disabling and cause quite a bit of discomfort.

Children often spend a good part of their day playing outdoors in the sun, especially during the summer. Children who have fair skin, moles, or freckles, or who have a family history of skin cancer, are more likely to develop skin cancer in later years.

UV rays are strongest during summer months when the sun is directly overhead (normally between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.). UV rays are a type of radiation energy, which are given out by the sun and sun beds/tanning lamps. There are three types of UV rays; A, B, and C. Only UV-A and UV-B rays can reach the earth. UV-B rays have long been known to damage skin. However in recent years it has been suggested that UV-A rays may be dangerous to the skin as well.

More information on sunburn