Sunburn is particularly dangerous for babies and children. They can of course also occur in adults and older people. They are caused by too long, intensive and inappropriate exposure of the skin to the sun, but also by any other radiation, e.g. the use of tanning beds. What are the causes and symptoms of sunburn? Are they dangerous to health or even life? Do they damage the skin?
Table of contents:
Causes of sunburn
Sunburn occurs when the amount of UV radiation exceeds the protective capacity of our skin's pigment, i.e. melanin. Light-skinned people are particularly vulnerable to sunburn (they must not be in full sun for more than 10 minutes and similarly in a solarium). They should not be in the sun between 11am and 3pm, when it is strongest. It is worth mentioning that babies and children have very sensitive and delicate skin and are therefore very susceptible to sunburn. They should not stay in the sun. If you decide to expose yourself to the sun for a prolonged period of time, you should contact a dermatologist to see if anything stands in the way. It is crucial to assess the condition of our skin (any moles, lesions, discolouration), the type of medication we are taking, problems with our eyesight, heart or allergies.
Symptoms of sunburn
The first symptoms of sunburn can be felt when we are in the sun. These include a tightening of the skin, a pinching, itching or burning sensation. Over time, these symptoms worsen with persistent pain, burning, reaching the skin, visible redness and flaking of the epidermis. This type of burn is very common and is a first-degree burn. When there is a second-degree burn, blisters appear on the skin which are filled with serous fluid. This is accompanied by swelling and partial necrosis of the epidermis. These heal for up to several weeks. In third-degree burns, scars are visible after healing, as all three layers of the skin, including subcutaneous tissue and nerves, have been destroyed. These types of burns are very rare, but pose a threat to the patient's health and life. Infants and young children are the most common victims.
If you or your child notice any worrying symptoms indicating sunburn, you should visit a doctor as soon as possible. Importantly, if you do decide to expose your skin to the sun, it is advisable to do so in moderation.
