It happens quickly, especially on holiday or during outdoor activities: the skin is exposed to UV radiation for too long and too intensively. The result is not only a painful reaction, but also a long-term risk of premature skin ageing or even skin cancer. This makes it all the more important to take sunburn seriously and treat it specifically if the symptoms are severe.
Causes
Sunburn - medically known as dermatitis solaris - is an acute inflammatory reaction of the skin triggered by high-energy UVB rays. Depending on the duration and intensity of the sun exposure, a distinction is made between three degrees of severity:
- Grade 1: Redness, itching, burning
- Grade 2: Blistering, severe pain
- Grade 3: Skin peeling, possible systemic symptoms such as fever or nausea
Light skin types, unprotected areas of skin or inadequate sun protection in particular favour the development of sunburn. Repeated sunburns also increase the risk of chronic skin damage or skin cancer.