Following those two questions, why don't I get sunburnt? Ever? Like I can spend literally all day in the sun, and I'll tan, but never get burnt. My background is Malaysian/Burmese, so I think genetics probably plays a large part.
2006-12-18 13:54:56 · 12 answers · asked by Link 4 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Skin Conditions
Sunburn is from over-exposure to the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. While the symptoms are usually temporary (such as red skin that is painful to the touch), the skin damage is often permanent and can have serious long-term health effects, including skin cancer.
Sunburn results when the amount of exposure to the sun or other ultraviolet light source exceeds the ability of the body's protective pigment, melanin, to protect the skin. Sunburn in a very light-skinned person may occur in less than 15 minutes of midday sun exposure, while a dark-skinned person may tolerate the same exposure for hours.
It is now recognized that sunburn and sun exposure should not be treated as insignificant. Deaths have resulted from acute sun exposure, and significant temporary disability is experienced by millions of sunburned people each year.
Unlike a thermal burn, sunburn is not immediately apparent. By the time the skin starts to become painful and red, the damage has been done. The pain is worst between 6 and 48 hours after sun exposure. In severe sunburns, blistering of the skin may occur.
Swelling (edema ) of the skin, especially in the legs, is common. Toxins are released with sunburn, and fever is not uncommon. Skin peeling usually begins between three and eight days after exposure.
The long-term consequences of years of overexposure to the sun are significant. One blistering sunburn doubles the likelihood of developing malignant melanoma. Chronic sun exposure causes premature wrinkling and aging of the skin. Age spots (lentigo) are a result of sun exposure.
Skin cancer (basal cell and squamous cell cancer) is directly related to the amount of sun exposure (determined by skin pigmentation and hours in the sun). Finally, sun exposure and ultraviolet damage have been implicated in the development of cataracts.
Very effective sunscreens have been developed that protect from UVA and UVB (long and short wavelengths of ultraviolet light), which are the components of sunlight responsible for burning and cancerous changes in the skin.
Sunscreen, protective clothing, and ultraviolet-protected sunglasses are all recommended to prevent excessive sun exposure. Wearing a sunscreen with high sun protection factor (SPF) is recommended. The higher SPF numbers indicate greater protection. Unfortunately, there is no way to get a "safe tan" from the sun.
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Sunburn is better prevented than treated. Effective sunscreens are available in a wide variety of strengths. Most doctors recommend a sunscreen SPF level of 30 or greater.
Sunscreen should be generously applied. If out in the sun for a prolonged period of time during the day, wearing a hat and other protective clothing is recommended. Light clothing reflects the sun most effectively.
More Sunburn Relief Tips
Take a cool bath -- not ice cold, but cool -- and don't use bath salts, oil or bubble bath.
Do not scrub your skin or shave your skin. Use a soft towel and pat your skin dry.
Use a sunburn remedy containing aloe vera.
Use a light moisturizer or a dusting of powder to ease chafing.
Stay out of the sun. If the sunburn is severe or you are blistering, feel faint or nauseous, see a doctor immediately.
2006-12-18 13:57:48 · answer #1 · answered by The CEO of Yahoo Answers! © 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
What Causes Sunburn
2016-10-02 21:32:54 · answer #2 · answered by vanburen 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Even if you get tan, this is still damaging your skin. Tan or burned-it is basically the same thing. You may not see the effects because of darker skin so you're less aware of the consequences. If you knew how painful a burn was, you would probably put sunblock on. So anyway, you should probably put sunblock on cause then you won't get skin cancer. My Aunt had skin cancer thirty years ago and got over it, but now, it came back, and it's worse. She probably won't live, as harsh as that sounds. It's the truth though. To your other question, I don't know what causes sunburn- but here's a website. Good luck with yo' skin!
Fa la la la la French vanilla.
2006-12-18 14:01:47 · answer #3 · answered by burn_this_city 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A sunburn is a burn to the skin produced by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, commonly from the sun's rays. A similar burn can be produced by overexposure to other sources of UV such as from tanning lamps, or occupationally, such as from welding arcs. Exposure of the skin to lesser amounts of UV will often produce a suntan. Usual mild symptoms are red or reddish skin that's hot to the touch, a washed out feeling, and mild dizziness.
Sunburn can be life-threatening and is a leading cause of cancer. Sunburn can easily be prevented through the use of sunscreen, clothing (and hats), and by limiting solar exposure, especially during the middle of the day. The only cure for skin burn is slow healing, although skin creams can help.
With respect to the spectral components of sunlight, the severity of sunburn has been found to peak in the low-frequency UVB range near the 320 nm transition to UVA.
This is based on two factors:
1. erythemal activity - the specific effect of different wavelengths of radiation on the skin
2. solar irradiance - how much of any solar radiation wavelength can be expected to be incident on the surface of the earth
2006-12-18 13:57:25 · answer #4 · answered by Xiangwei Xi 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Sunburn is known as a radiation burn. Believe it or not, when you tan you are burning. Because you are not fair skinned it isn't painful and red like I get. Must be nice. Just the same, this could very well lead to skin cancer down the road, when you're older. Always, always protect your skin
2006-12-18 14:05:28 · answer #5 · answered by utuseclocal483 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A sunburn happens when a person stays out in the sun for a long period of time. Based on their skin tone, a fair skined person may burn a lot faster than a person who is,or maybe already has a tan.
2006-12-18 14:01:40 · answer #6 · answered by andy_bryant_120_b 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
first of all your first question what causes sunburn, lets think... and your back round does have a lot to do with it. Also it might look like you are getting tan but if you do not put sunscreen on you can still get skin cancer. my dad had it about 16 times i think.
2006-12-18 13:58:03 · answer #7 · answered by Me 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A sunburn is were u stay in the sun to long but it is more prominent in white ppl it is caused by the ultravilent rays from the sun
2006-12-18 13:59:01 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The main causes of sun leading to you being sick are dehydration and sun poisoning. Which can both make u feel nauseous. Drink plenty of water and wear sunscreen. Studies show now that there is no such thing as healthy sun or a healthy tan.
2016-03-13 08:21:50 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
you are some freak with skin. calm down. it's ok that you don't get sunburnt.take a deep breath in and release it before you die.
2006-12-18 13:57:30 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋