Ethan Lazuk (5/20/16)SUNBURN Nearly everyone knows being exposed to the sun for too long can cause sunburn. What we may not know, however, is what sunburn is, what causes it, and how can we treat or prevent sunburn? CausesSunburn happens when ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun are too strong for the protective coloring of our skin called melanin (pigment). A person’s skin type, the length of time exposed to the sun, and the sun’s intensity all affect sunburn. Light skin is more susceptible than darker skin to sunburn, and infants and children are more sensitive to the sun’s effects than adults. For example, skin cancers like Melanoma usually appear in adulthood, but it is sun exposure and sunburns beginning as early as childhood that causes them. SymptomsMelanoma and other skin cancers are severe effects of prolonged and unprotected exposure to UV rays from the sun or sun lamps. Other long-term effects of UV rays can include early aging of the skin, such as wrinkles and dark or rough spots, as well as first or second-degree burns. A more obvious short-term symptom of sunburn is red and irritated skin, but if a sunburn is severe enough, it can lead to swelling or blisters. Surprisingly, flu-like symptoms can also result from sunburn, notably headaches, nausea, and body chills, but if these symptoms become serious, a doctor should be consulted. TreatmentAfter a sunburn is a few days old, the afflicted skin will become itchy and start peeling, which is the body’s way of removing the sun-damaged skin cells to heal. While a sunburn is healing, its symptoms can be treated in two ways, including relieving redness and irritation to the skin as well as reducing any inflammation. Creams and gels with ingredients like aloe, menthol, or camphor can soothe burning sensations while cold compresses also provide sunburn relief. To reduce inflammation caused by sunburn, NSAID pain relievers like ibuprofen or naproxen can be purchased over-the-counter. Other sunburn remedies include staying hydrated and avoiding direct sunlight.Prevention

Even better than treating sunburn is avoiding it altogether, and there are many simple but effective ways to prevent sunburn. Limiting the time a person is exposed to the sun, especially in between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun’s UV rays are strongest, is a smart way to avoid sunburn. Other good ways to prevent sunburn include liberally applying sunscreen, preferably an SPF 15 or higher that protects against UVA and UVB rays, as well as wearing proper clothing like hats, sunglasses, and long sleeves.ConclusionMore than 30% of adults and 70% of children report being sunburned in the past year, according to the CDC. Sunburn is the result of UV rays from the sun being too strong for the skin’s protective coloring, and sunburn symptoms include irritated skin and even inflammation. When a sunburn occurs, short-term remedies include creams and gels or NSAID pain relievers, but using sunscreen and wearing proper clothing can help us have fun in the sun while preventing sunburn altogether.