User:Mr. Ibrahem/Sunburn

A sunburn is redness and swelling of the skin from overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Onset is often 2 to 6 hours after exposure. Other symptoms may include pain, warmth, and blistering. After a few days skin peeling may occur. Complications can include dehydration, infection, skin cancer, skin aging, and brown spots.

It most commonly occurs due to Sun exposure, though can also result from other sources like tanning salons. Those with lighter skin are more likely to sunburn. Other risk factors include living near the equator, high elevation, between 10 am and 2 pm, clear skies, reflection from snow, and certain medications. Medications involved may include doxycycline and HCTZ. The underlying mechanism of injury involves DNA damage followed by programmed cell death.

Preventive measures including avoiding the Sun around midday, sunscreen, and sun protective clothing. Treatment involves pain medication such as NSAIDs and moisturizer. A severe sunburn may required intravenous fluids such as Ringer's lactate.

Sunburns affected about 34% of the population of the United States in 2015. Young adults are most commonly affected. Before 1820 it was believed that sunburns were due to heat. Sunscreen was initially developed during World War Two.