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Written by Courteney
Posted on July 20, 2016 at 8:09 pm
Sunburns are among the most commonly suffered summer afflictions. They can range from minor burns causing irritation for a couple days, to severe sunburns which may consist of painful blisters. It is important to know the dangers of sunburns, and to be able to properly assess your sunburn to determine if you need medical treatment or can simply take care of it with remedies and basic first-aid-kit measures.
Can Sunburns Cause Skin Cancer?
Yes, sunburns can contribute to the development of skin cancer. A sunburn (or even suntan) results from overexposure to harmful ultraviolet rays, usually from the sun. Severe sunburns cause irreparable damage to skin cells which can lead to skin cancer. Even minor sunburns can cause problems down the line if UV ray overexposure continues. According to the American Cancer Society, a person’s risk of contracting skin cancer nearly doubles if they have sustained 5 or more sunburns in the past. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. Over 3.5 million cases are treated annually in the United States, many of which can be attributed (at least in part) to sun damage.
What Other Risks Can Sunburns Pose?
Aside from increasing your skin cancer risk, sunburns can also cause other serious complications such as severe skin blistering and burns, dehydration, loss of fluids and even skin or systemic infection if left unchecked. In rare and extreme cases serious sunburns can even lead to shock or death if not treated.
When To Seek Medical Attention for a Sunburn
If your sunburn goes beyond the usual redness and irritation, it may be worth getting a checkup. According to Mayo Clinic physician Dr. Lawrence E. Gibson, if you are experiencing fever, chills, headache or pain, vomiting or diarrhea, excessive sweating, pus or other signs of skin infection be sure to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Tips To Soothe The Burn
Luckily most sunburns do not require medical attention and respond well to at-home treatments. Some remedies that have proven effective for treating minor sunburns include:
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