Sunburn

A sunburn is a radiation burn to the skin produced by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, commonly from the sun's rays. A similar burn can be produced by overexposure to other sources of UV, such as tanning lamps and welding arcs. Exposure of the skin to lesser amounts of UV will often produce a suntan.

Increased risk

The risk of sunburn can be increased by some pharmaceutical products that can sensitise a person taking them to UV radiation. Some antibiotics, contraceptives, and tranquillizers have this effect.

Related Topics:
Pharmaceutical - Antibiotic - Contraceptive - Tranquillizer

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Suntans, which naturally develop in some individuals as a protective mechanism against the sun, are viewed by many in the Western world as desirable. This has led to increases in sunburn incidences and in solarium popularity as individuals attempt to tan.

Related Topics:
Suntan - Solarium

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In recent years, the incidence and severity of sunburn has increased worldwide, especially in the southern hemisphere, because of damage to the ozone layer due to CFCs. Some are worried that ozone depletion and the seasonal ozone hole has led to dangerously high levels of UV light.

Related Topics:
Ozone layer - CFC - Ozone depletion - Ozone hole

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A 2003 study found that 36% of US adults have a sunburn at least once a year; one study found 50% of Canadians to have been burnt in the two months prior to the study.

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