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What is sunburn?

Sunburns occur when the skin is exposed to the burning or ultraviolet rays of the sun. The severity can vary from mild pink with only minor discomfort to severe "lobster-red" burns that blister. Sunburns can lead to long-term problems such as certain types of skin cancer, wrinkles, and age spots. It is important to protect yourself from the sun's harmful rays by using a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or greater.

Cool wet compresses or cool baths can help soothe pain and discomfort caused by sunburns Herbal and over-the-counter products are the usual treatment for most mild and moderate sunburns. Severe sunburns may require the attention of a doctor to relieve the pain and inflammation. You can treat most sunburns at home, but if a sunburn is causing significant discomfort, or the burn hasn't healed in a week, you should see your doctor. You should also see your doctor if your skin blisters, or if you notice signs of infection such as increased redness and spreading of redness. It's important to drink plenty of water to keep the skin hydrated and promote healing.

Sources:Habif, Thomas. Clinical Dermatology. Mosby-Year Book Inc., 1996.
Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs. American Pharmaceutical Association, 2000.
The Merck Manual of Medical Information: Home Edition. Merck & Co., 1997
Medline Plus. Medline, 2006.

This answer prepared 12/12/2000.
This information updated 2/7/2007.