The sun is one of life’s greatest blessings, providing essential health benefits—most notably stimulating the production of vitamin D, which is crucial for building strong bones and supporting the immune system. Yet, like all things, it has both advantages and drawbacks, depending on how it is approached. Excessive and unsafe exposure to sunlight—particularly during peak hours—can lead to painful sunburns. These burns are not limited to the skin; in severe cases, they can also damage the eyes and, in extreme situations, pose serious health risks.
What Is Sunburn?
Sunburn is an acute skin reaction caused by overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays, which damage and inflame skin cells. It occurs most often in the summer months or during prolonged outdoor activities without adequate protection. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, including:
• Redness and tenderness of the skin.
• Swelling and peeling within hours of exposure.
• Blisters or open sores in more advanced cases.
Sunburn typically affects exposed and sensitive areas such as the face, eyes, hands, feet, chest, back, and skin folds, as these receive the most direct sunlight.
Who Is Most at Risk?
Not all skin types have the same natural defences against UV damage. Certain groups are more susceptible due to lower levels of melanin or reduced skin resilience, including:
• People with fair skin.
• Those with red or blonde hair.
• Individuals with freckles or blue eyes.
• Children under six years of age.
• Adults over 60 years old.
These groups require extra precautions when exposed to the sun to avoid both immediate burns and long-term complications.
Stages of Sunburn Development
Sunburn progresses in distinct stages:
- First Hours After Exposure: Redness appears, often with a burning sensation when the affected area is touched.
- 6–48 Hours: Symptoms intensify, with increased pain, heightened sensitivity, and skin irritation.
- Day Two to Day Eight: The skin begins to peel as part of the healing process. In more severe cases, blisters or shallow sores may develop.
Degrees of Sunburn
Sunburn severity depends on both the length of exposure and UV intensity, and it can be classified into three main grades:
• First-degree (Mild): Affects only the outer layer of skin, causing mild redness and discomfort. These can often be managed at home with cool compresses and soothing creams.
• Second-degree (Moderate): Penetrates deeper, affecting nerve endings and causing sharper pain. Blisters and swelling may appear, requiring careful management and, in some cases, medical attention to prevent infection.
• Third-degree (Severe): Rare but dangerous, resulting from prolonged and intense exposure. It causes deep tissue inflammation and severe pain, sometimes accompanied by abnormal moles that may indicate skin cancer risk, particularly in individuals with a family history of melanoma.
Symptoms and Potential Complications
Beyond skin damage, sunburn can trigger systemic symptoms, especially if untreated or repeated over time:
• Visible redness, itching, and skin irritation.
• Fever in more advanced cases.
• Nausea, headaches, and fatigue due to dehydration or skin inflammation.
If left unmanaged, sunburn may lead to:
• Bacterial skin infections from irritated or broken blisters.
• Eye damage, such as cataracts or heightened light sensitivity.
• Premature skin ageing, including wrinkles, dryness, and dark spots.
• Increased risk of skin cancer from repeated burns or genetic predisposition.
First Aid for Sunburn
When signs of sunburn appear, immediate action can reduce damage and promote healing:
• Cool the skin with cold compresses or a lukewarm shower.
• Stay hydrated to replace lost fluids.
• Apply soothing creams or gels to calm inflammation.
• Use over-the-counter pain relievers when necessary.
• Cover blisters with sterile dressings and avoid popping them.
• Steer clear of harmful remedies such as toothpaste or certain oils, which may worsen irritation or cause infection.
• Wear loose, breathable cotton clothing to avoid further friction.
When to Seek Medical Help
Medical attention is necessary if you experience:
• High fever.
• Large or widespread blisters.
• Severe dehydration (dry mouth, low urine output, dizziness).
• Persistent or worsening symptoms despite home care.
Prevention: Your Best Defence
• Avoid direct sunlight between 10 AM and 4 PM, when UV levels peak.
• Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, reapplying every two hours or after swimming.
• Wear lightweight, protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses.
• In outdoor workplaces, make use of shade, umbrellas, or canopies, and take regular breaks out of the sun.
• For healthy vitamin D production, limit sun exposure to 10–15 minutes on the arms or face outside peak hours, such as early morning.
Conclusion
The sun is a gift, but one that must be enjoyed wisely. By understanding the risks and practising prevention, we can protect our skin, eyes, and overall health from both immediate harm and long-term consequences.
By: Dr Badreyya Al-Harmi
(Public Health Consultant)
