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.

Protection

It is advisable to wear long-sleeved garments and wide-brimmed hats or use an umbrella when in the sun. Minimisation of sun exposure between the hours of 10 am to 3 pm is also recommended.

Related Topics:
Hat - Umbrella

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Commercial preparations are available that block UV light, known as sunscreens. Sometimes called suncreams or sunblocks, they have a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) rating, based on the sunblock's ability to reduce the UVB radiation at the skin: the higher the SPF rating, the greater the protection. A sunscreen rated SPF15 blocks 93.3% UVB and an SPF30 rated sunscreen blocks 96.7%. It is best to use a broad spectrum sunscreen in order to protect against both UVA and UVB radiation. It is prudent to use waterproof formulations if one plans to engage in water-based activities.

Related Topics:
Sunscreen - SPF

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Sunscreen should have a SPF rating of at least 15. It should be applied half an hour before going out and reapplied every two hours thereafter.

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It is also important to remember that eyes should not be neglected and that wrap-around sunglasses which block UV light should also be worn. UV light has been implicated in pterygium and cataract development.

Related Topics:
Sunglasses - Pterygium - Cataract

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When one is exposed to any artificial source of occupational UV, special protective clothing (for example, welding masks) should be worn.

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