Sunburn is extremely common. In fact, every person will have it at least once in their lifetime. The problem is that most people do not realize the dangers associated with this condition. These include even skin cancer. That is why preventing sunburn should be your number one priority when going outside on a sunny day.
Sunburn is caused by the harmful UV rays of the sun. Usually, sufferers experience just redness of the skin, discomfort, a burning sensation and mild pain. However, the possible complications are many and different.
Infection is one of the most common and serious complications. If the skin damage is severe, blisters may form on the skin. Ruptured blisters offer the perfect environment for the growth of bacteria.
Photo aging is one of the long-term complications of sunburn. The long-term damages caused by the harmful UV rays of the sun include dry and rough skin, small red veins on cheeks and nose, freckles and large brown lesions. Deeper and more visible wrinkles are also associated with sunburn.
Skin cancer and its malignant form melanoma are the most serious dangers of sunburn. When your skin is exposed to the UV rays for a long time, this form of radiation may result in changes in the DNA structure of skin cells. As a result, benign skin cancer growths can appear. You may even develop melanoma which is potentially lethal.
How do you prevent sunburn, sun skin damage and skin cancer?
The best protection is to apply sunscreen to all areas of your body not covered by clothing every time you go out during the day. Do not miss to cover literally every bit of skin exposed to the sunlight including your feet and your ears. Use sunscreen with SPF over 20 or preferably over 30. Reapply the sunscreen every two hours and/or every time you get out of the water, if you are swimming.
You should consider wearing a wide brim hat and loose and breathable clothing that covers as much of your body as possible on very sunny days. Dermatologists recommend avoiding sun exposure between 11 in the morning and 5 in the afternoon. This piece of advice is particularly applicable to people with fair complexion and to children.
Finally, get professional treatment if you have sunburn. Inspect your body regularly for suspicious moles and call your doctor as soon as possible after you observe new growths or changes in old ones.
Protect yourself from Melanoma in the best way possible. Take advantage of early Skin Cancer detection services to reduce your risk of serious illness.
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