Uncover Sunburn With Camera Technology: What You Need To Know

Sunburns are a common skin condition caused by overexposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays or artificial UV light sources. While sunburn symptoms typically include red, inflamed, and painful skin, the severity of sunburns can vary, ranging from first-degree to rare third-degree burns. Sunburns can be challenging to detect in people with darker skin tones, as the redness may not be apparent unless peeling or blistering occurs. To identify a sunburn, individuals can use a camera to capture images of their face and closely examine any signs of skin discolouration or changes in texture. Early treatment of sunburns is crucial to alleviate discomfort and prevent long-term skin damage, including an increased risk of skin cancer.

Sunburn symptoms

Sunburn is a visible reaction of the skin to exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which is found in sunlight or UV light sources such as tanning salons. The signs of sunburn may not appear for a few hours, but it is usually at its worst 24 to 36 hours after sun exposure and typically resolves in 3 to 5 days.

The symptoms of sunburn include:

• Changes in skin colour, ranging from pink to red and even purple. People with darker skin may get sunburnt, but it can be harder to see unless the skin peels or blisters.
• Skin that feels hot to the touch.
• Fluid-filled blisters that may itch and eventually pop or break.
• Broken blisters that peel to reveal tender skin beneath.
• Swelling of the skin.
• Weakness, confusion, or faintness.
• Dry, itching, and peeling skin days after the burn.

Severe sunburns may cause dehydration and even shock, characterised by fainting, low blood pressure, and profound weakness. Immediate medical attention is necessary if this happens.

Sunburn can occur in as little as 11 minutes, and the damage caused by UV radiation is invisible and cumulative. Excessive and/or multiple sunburns cause premature ageing 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.

To treat sunburn, it is recommended to:

• Take frequent cool baths or showers to relieve pain.
• Apply a moisturiser containing aloe vera or soy to soothe the skin.
• Take aspirin or ibuprofen to reduce swelling and discomfort.
• Drink extra water, as sunburn draws fluid to the skin's surface, which can lead to dehydration.
• Allow blisters to heal on their own and keep them clean to prevent infection.

Sunburn treatment

Sunburn is caused by overexposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can lead to long-lasting skin damage and an increased risk of skin cancer. It is important to begin treating sunburn as soon as you notice it.

Get out of the sun

The first step is to get out of the sun and preferably indoors. This will help prevent further damage to your skin and allow you to start the treatment process.

Take cool baths or showers

Taking frequent cool baths or showers can help relieve the pain and discomfort of sunburn. Gently pat yourself dry after getting out of the bathtub or shower to avoid irritating the skin further.

Apply moisturizers and lotions

Apply a moisturizer containing aloe vera or soy to help soothe sunburned skin. Do this while your skin is still damp from a bath or shower and whenever you feel discomfort. You can also apply calamine lotion or use a cool, damp washcloth on the affected area. Taking a colloidal oatmeal bath can also help soothe the skin.

Take pain relievers

Consider taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin or ibuprofen to help reduce any swelling and discomfort associated with sunburn.

Drink extra water

Sunburn draws fluid to the skin's surface, so it is important to drink extra water to prevent dehydration.

Allow blisters to heal

If your skin blisters, it indicates a second-degree sunburn. Do not pop the blisters, as they help protect your skin from infection and promote healing. Keep the blisters clean and apply petroleum jelly to protect them while they heal.

Protect your skin from the sun

To prevent further sun damage and reduce your risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging, it is crucial to protect your skin from the sun. Seek shade and wear sun-protective clothing, such as long sleeves, pants, and a wide-brimmed hat. Apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to all exposed skin.

Remember, if you have any concerns about your sunburn or how it is healing, seek medical advice.

Sunburn severity

Sunburns are caused by overexposure to the sun's UV rays or UV light from artificial sources such as tanning beds. Sunburn severity is grouped by healthcare providers into first, second, and third-degree burns, depending on the depth and size of the affected area of skin.

First-degree sunburns damage the skin's outer layer and usually heal by themselves within a few days to a week. Symptoms include redness, a warm or tight feeling, and swelling or blistering. People may also experience peeling skin around 3 to 8 days after exposure, as well as headaches, raised temperature, fatigue, and nausea.

Second-degree sunburns penetrate the skin's outer layer and damage the layer beneath, called the dermis. They may take several weeks to heal and may require specialist treatment. Symptoms include deep red skin, especially on light skin, swelling and blistering over a large area, wet-looking shiny skin, and white discoloration within the burned area.

Third-degree sunburns are rare but require emergency treatment. They severely damage or destroy all layers of the skin, including the fat layer beneath. They can also destroy nerve endings.

To treat sunburn, it is important to get out of the sun and seek shade or go indoors. Taking frequent cool baths or showers, applying moisturisers with aloe vera, and drinking extra water can help relieve pain and discomfort. Blisters should be left alone to heal and protected with petroleum jelly to prevent infection.

Sunburn prevention

Sunburn is an inflammatory reaction to ultraviolet (UV) radiation damage to the skin's outermost layers. It can cause pain and burning, and increase the risk of skin cancer, wrinkles, brown spots, and freckles. The skin may appear swollen, possibly with blisters. Sunburn can occur on any skin tone, with fair or lighter skin typically turning pink or red, and darker skin tones becoming darker.

• Seek shade, especially during the hottest parts of the day, usually between 10 am and 4 pm.
• Apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Apply sunscreen generously, covering all exposed skin, and reapply regularly, every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
• Wear sun-protective clothing such as long sleeves, long pants, and a wide-brimmed hat.
• Protect your eyes with sunglasses that have UV protection.
• Avoid tanning beds and sun lamps.
• Be cautious even on cloudy days, as up to 80% of UV rays can penetrate clouds.
• Be extra cautious in locations near the equator, at high altitudes, or closer to the equator, as the sun's intensity varies by season, time of day, and geographic location.
• Keep babies under 6 months old out of direct sunlight. For older babies and children, use UV-blocking sunglasses and apply sunscreen.

Sunburn risk factors

Sunburn is caused by exposure to the sun's UV rays or UV light from artificial sources such as tanning beds. The risk of sunburn depends on several factors, including:

• Time spent in the sun: The longer one is exposed to the sun, the higher the risk of sunburn. This includes spending time outdoors for work or sports, and activities like boating or fishing.
• Medications: Certain medications can increase sun sensitivity, such as antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), retinoids, and heart medications.
• Intensity of UV rays: The time of day, cloud coverage, altitude, and closeness to the equator affect UV intensity. A high UV index means unprotected skin will burn faster and more severely.
• Ozone depletion: Depending on one's location, ozone depletion can impact UV exposure.
• Skin type and colour: Those with lighter skin, freckles, blue eyes, or red or blonde hair are at a higher risk of sunburn. However, anyone can get sunburned, regardless of skin colour.
• Use of tanning beds: Tanning beds emit UV rays that can cause sunburn and increase the risk of skin cancer.
• History of sunburns or tanning: A history of sunburns or frequent tanning increases the risk of skin cancer.
• Family and personal history of skin cancer: Those with a family history of skin cancer or a personal history of skin cancer are at a higher risk of sunburn and developing skin cancer again.
• Amount of melanin: Melanin is a pigment that protects the skin from the sun's rays. People with less melanin are more prone to sunburn.
• Age: Sunburn is very common in young people, with 50-75% of children under 18 experiencing sunburns annually.

It is important to note that even without a visible burn, sun exposure can cause cellular damage and increase the risk of skin cancer. Repeated sunburns accelerate skin ageing and significantly increase the risk of developing skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Therefore, it is crucial to practice sun safety and protect oneself from UV exposure.

Frequently asked questions