How will you get sun burn?
1. UV Radiation: The sun's UV rays, particularly UVB rays, penetrate the outermost layer of your skin (the epidermis).
2. DNA Damage: UV radiation damages the DNA of skin cells, leading to changes in the cell's structure and function.
3. Inflammation: As a response to the cellular damage, your body releases inflammatory chemicals that cause redness, swelling, and pain.
4. Cellular Changes: The damaged skin cells start to produce melanin, a pigment responsible for skin color, in an attempt to protect the skin from further damage. This causes the skin to tan or darken in color.
5. Symptoms: Sunburn symptoms usually develop within a few hours of excessive sun exposure and can range from mild to severe, depending on the intensity and duration of UV exposure. Symptoms include:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Pain or tenderness
- Warmth to the touch
- Itching or dryness
- Peeling or flaking of skin
- Blisters (in severe cases)
6. Dehydration: Sun exposure can also lead to dehydration, as your body directs blood flow away from the skin and towards vital organs. This can cause fatigue, dizziness, and thirst.
7. Sunburn Progression: In mild cases, sunburn typically peaks within 12-24 hours and gradually subsides over several days. However, severe sunburn may persist for a longer period and require medical treatment.
It's important to protect yourself from sunburn by using sunscreen with a broad-spectrum SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 30, wearing protective clothing and sunglasses, and seeking shade during peak sun hours. Regularly reapplying sunscreen, even on cloudy days, can help prevent sunburn. If you experience severe sunburn symptoms or blisters, consult a healthcare professional.