sunburn

Synonyms in a broader sense

medical: Solar dermatitis, UV erythema, see also: skin cancer
English: sunburn

definition

Sunburn is caused by artificial or solar (coming from the sun) Skin burns caused by UV radiation. The sunburn manifests itself as redness and swelling of the affected skin. In extreme cases, sunburn can also lead to blistering. The face, especially the nose, ears, shoulders and décolleté, are particularly at risk, as these so-called sun terraces receive a lot of UV radiation due to their location.

Also read what to do if a child is sunburned: Sunburn in children - what should you do about it?

Damage to the skin by UV radiation includes damage to the skin cells and the connective and supporting tissue as well as genetic damage to the affected skin areas, which can only be partially repaired by the body.

Frequent sunburn therefore increases the risk of developing skin cancer many times over. Skin aging is also accelerated, which leads to earlier and more wrinkles and age spots.

Epidemiology / frequency distribution

According to US studies, more than a third of the local population suffer at least once a year a sunburn. The steady increase in skin cancers caused by sunburn can be attributed to frequent and unprotected sunbathing in nature and in the solarium, and will continue to increase in the years to come.

Around 200,000 people are currently diagnosed with the disease in Germany every year Skin cancer, including about 150,000 on the so-called Basal cell carcinoma as a result of sunburn (a form of "white skin cancer"), Which is mostly caused by photodamage to the skin. That too malignant melanoma with around 15,000 cases annually, colloquially "Black Skincancer"Called, is caused by sunburns and too frequent sunbathing and the resulting damage to the genetic material of the skin. Melanoma accounts for "only" 10% of annual skin cancer cases, but is also responsible for over 90% of deaths from skin cancer.

Symptoms

The areas of skin exposed to the sun show extensive reddening and swelling four to eight hours after sunbathing (see: Red spots on the face after sun exposure), and in the case of very severe damage also blistering and peeling of the skin. Some people notice a strain on the skin even while sunbathing skin, the skin is tight and the sun feels uncomfortable.

The climax of the Sunburn reached after 12 to 24 hours, it can last up to 48 hours.

In the case of extensive burns, the inflammation can lead to the development of fever. Circulatory failure and even shock can occur in severe sunburn. The reason for this is the strong water retention of the inflamed tissue, which causes it in the Body circulation there is a relative lack of fluids. The blood pressure drops and weakness, dizziness and also Faint are the consequence.

In addition to sunburn, also occur a headache, Dizziness and nausea, or vomiting, it is most likely one Sunstroke. A sunstroke is an overheating of the head and thus also of the Brain, it can lead to serious complications. In this case and in the case of extensive burns, especially in children, medical advice should be sought immediately.

After a sunburn and the reddening has subsided, the top layer of the skin often flakes off.

treatment

Frequently will the Sunburn noticed too latebecause the first symptoms often only three to six hours after sunbathing occur. Therefore, one should take preventive measures in advance and ensure that they are sufficient and continuous Sun protection to care. Who a particularly bright Skin type (Skin type 1 or 2) must protect themselves particularly well from the sun and should adhere to the recommended maximum length of stay at a certain time of day.

Who still has one Suffering from sunburn, should be immediately from the sun go and also for a couple avoid the sun for more days. One should keep in mind that the UV radiation reaches the skin and may further worsen the sunburn. The most effective protection against further solar radiation is therefore in Interiors of buildings given. Anyone who goes outside should do the reddened ones Cover places well, ideally with light-colored clothing and sun hats and ensure sufficient UV protection over the entire body.

Next to the Cool that one is also very important for the treatment of sunburn enough liquid because of the inflammatory reaction the Skin barrier disrupted and a lot of fluid is lost. In addition, a balanced water balance (Hydration) the regeneration processes of the body and gets the circulation going.

Even more important is increased drinking after one Sunstroke. With this step dizziness, headache, nausea after sunbathing and possibly also fever on and you should urgently doctor seek out. The sunstroke can be accompanied by severe general symptoms and even fatal run away.

Does it occur in the context of sunburn in addition to Blisteringso one should get to one doctor go and this that Open the bubbles left for this to take place sterile conditions happens and thus the development of an infection is prevented.
One should also Doctor visit Consider if the sunburn very strong is or strong hurtswhen he is at Children occurs and if he has other symptoms such as: Headache, stiff neck, nausea or Vomiting accompanied becomes.

Appropriate medication can be taken against the pain that occurs, for example Ibuprofen or Diclofenac, as this also anti-inflammatory Act. Some doctors recommend once you get that first signs perceives a sunburn, 1000mg acetylsalicylic acid (e.g .: 2 tablets ASA 500mg) to take immediately the Inhibit inflammatory cells. This should make the sunburn less pronounced and acetylsalicylic acid also has an effect pain reliever. It should be noted that acetylsalicylic acid is used in Children (especially with fever) as a rule Not may be given! It should also be in a Pregnancy not be taken.

Those who suffer from sunburn frequently should get one regularly Skin cancer screening undergo, as by an increased occurrence the Skin cancer risk increased significantly becomes. This is done by Dermatologist, such as Family doctors carried out with appropriate qualifications. When screening is the whole Skin inspected and suspects Birthmarks can in a magnifying glass (dermatoscope) examined more closely, and, if necessary, then minimally surgical away become.

Cool the sunburn

Cooling is that most important therapeutic measure with sunburn. By cooling the overheat and Counteracted inflammation and the Pain become alleviated. It is best to start cooling as soon as possible, that is, as soon as you have the first symptoms noticed. That can be a Tensioning of the skin, a itch or Pain in the burned area or the known Reddening of the skin be.
It is recommended for this towels or Sheets in cold water to dive and this directly on the skin too lay. You can also do light Cotton garments Put them in cold water and then get dressed, this is also possible with children. Lotions (après sun, After-sun lotion) because this is a strong cooling Have effect. It is also possible to use lotions that Hydrocortisone included, because this also works anti-inflammatory and soothes the skin. Also the itching is made by lotions containing hydrocortisone decreased. Are also popular Aloe vera lotions containing aloe vera moisturizing and anti-inflammatory works. You can also use the lotions in Store in the refrigerator and thus strengthen the cooling effect.

One should skin cool continuously and change the sheets or clothes at least every hour and immerse them in the cold water again. The sunburn should be over one to three hours be cooled. It can also cause a Hypothermia come, so you should cool carefully, especially with children, and watch them. It is also important much liquidIt is best to drink water, as the skin loses a lot of fluid due to the burn and inflammation barrier thereby disturbed is.

From Quark or yogurt envelopes is getting closer today advised againstbecause through this too bacteria get into the skin and a infection cause. In particular, it is not recommended if there is a severe burn with blistering, as bacteria can penetrate even faster through the open areas when the blisters open. In addition dry Cottage cheese and yogurt get on your skin and quickly glue then often stuck to this. This can be very uncomfortable or painful to remove.

One should never directly ice place on the affected area, as this itself increases Damage the skin or Frostbite can lead. If you want to use ice or cold-warm compresses / cool packs from the freezer, you absolutely have to wrap them in a towel and use the avoid direct skin contact.

Sunburn itches

If the sunburn starts to itch, this may be an indication of the beginning healing be. But there are other causes of itchy sunburn as well. See: Causes of Sunburn
Usually the Doesn't itch immediatelybut develops over time (after four to six hours). In no case should it be scratched as this will again small wounds leads and the infection risk elevated. Young children who cannot resist the itching should have their fingernails trimmed very short and be distracted. Home remediesthat provide relief include moisturizing lotions, aloe vera lotions and Hydrocortisone ointments. Again, quark and yoghurtEnvelopes due to the increased risk of infection waived should be. However, cortisone ointments should only be used for a short period of time in children (especially on the face) or, preferably, only after medical advice.

Of the most common reason for an itchy sunburn is the "polymorphic (diverse) Photodermatosis“, Known as sun allergy, mostly caused by the UV-A light and occurs in about every 5th person. It affects in particular fair-skinned People sunbathe for the first time a year and shows up more often Women. The most common areas are the décolleté and neck, in children it is often the face. In principle, can all body regions to be affected. Form in the itchy area Red, occasionally sublime Nodules, these can merge with other nodes to form a large area. As a rule, polymorphic photodermatosis forms back on its own in a few days, however, patients often require anti-itch medication. Another possibility is to use Antihistamines.

Prophylactic Patients who frequently complain of itching after sunbathing should Sunscreens with UV-A light filters use. This often leads to complete freedom from symptoms. Also using sunscreen Antioxidants (vitamin E, alpha-glucosyl rutin) show a protective effect. If necessary, a UV light habituation therapy be considered by the doctor.

Other itching-triggering factors can be Allergens be, e.g. Fragrances (perfume), UV filters in sun creams and others. This is limited itchy area on the place where the allergen Skin contact would have. To test this, the doctor can do one Provocation test by only bringing a certain area of ​​skin into contact with the possible allergen and then irradiating the body with UV-A (Photo patch test).
Also various Medication can lead to skin irritation in contact with the sun, so it is advisable to read the package insert carefully and to ask your doctor or pharmacist.
If the Itching does not subsideA doctor should be consulted urgently, so that the symptoms clarified becomes.

diagnosis

The diagnosis is made on the basis of the skin appearance typical of the sunburn and the information provided by the patient (anamnese). If the skin shows signs of skin that are untypical for sunburn, such as pustules, wheals, papules or vesicles, a Rash from sun be the cause.

forecast

Sunburn usually heals without visible damage the skin off. In the event of a severe burn, however, the affected area may remain sensitive to light, and affected areas of the skin may be more intense or paler in color than those not affected by the sunburn.

With late damage such as Skin cancer In the worst case scenario, you can be confronted after a single sunburn, so it is important to avoid any sunburn.

history

Before around 200 years paleness was considered chic, people with tanned skin enjoyed working outdoors, e. Thanks to agriculture, for example, not a particularly highly respected activity in society at the time. Pale skin was a sign of belonging to a high and respected class of society, and every effort was made to keep the skin as pale as possible. Powders and creams were used to help, long clothing, sun hats and parasols, and even the use of whitening creams containing lead. Repeated bloodletting for a particularly distinguished paleness was also widespread.

Only since the beginning of the 20th century has it been tanned skin modern in the western world. The tan suggested health, Youth and prosperity, those who were tanned in winter could only achieve this through an expensive vacation in the south. Everyone can now afford tanned skin, there are solariums almost everywhere, so for little money you can get closer to the current ideal of beauty. But that's not necessarily healthy: Since brown skin has been considered beautiful, the number of new skin cancer cases has increased continuously every year. This not only has to do with staying in the sun and under artificial UV light, but is primarily due to the negligent behavior of most people. Many are of the opinion that getting a tan is only possible after sunburn, others are convinced that sunscreens with a sun protection factor even prevent the skin from tanning.

These simply wrong views and the fact that the consequential damage can only be expected years or decades later ensure the steady increase in skin cancers caused by better prevention could be prevented.

Summary

Sunburn is a burn of the skin from UV rays. UV radiation damages the skin's own proteins and the genetic information of the skin cells. The damage to the proteins manifests itself as reddening, swelling and pain, the damage to the genetic material can manifest itself as skin cancer years or decades later.

Sunburn should be treated by cooling in the form of cold compresses (cryotherapy) and after-sun lotions; a doctor should be consulted in the case of severe burns with blistering or extensive burns.

Any sunburn can be prevented with good sun protection in the form of sunscreen, long clothing and headgear, as well as avoidance of strong sunlight. Sufficient sun protection is particularly important for babies and small children as well as for people with very light skin.

Read important information about what to do if your child is sunburned: Sunburn in the child