IFP Exclusive

Why Should We Take Sunburn Seriously

Sunlight is one of the charms of nature, but a sharp increase or decrease in the rate of receiving it may result in consequences. Sunburn is one of the worst repercussions of excessive exposure to sunlight.

Severe sunburns are as serious as skin burns and may have the same general effects as blistering, swelling and fever; therefore, sunburns should not be overlooked.

The sun’s ultraviolet radiation is abundant in all three UVA, UVB and UVC bands, but due to the UV absorption in the atmosphere of the ozone layer, 99% of the ultraviolet radiation that reaches the earth is the less harmful UVA band.

Among the positive effects of UVB exposure is the stimulation of the skin to produce vitamin D. It is estimated that tens of thousands of American citizens die every year only due to cancer-related deficits and vitamin D deficiency.

Osteoporosis also occurs due to deficit in absorption of this vitamin. However, getting too much exposed to sunlight also has its own disadvantages including sunburn.

Sunburn is a skin inflammation that results from prolonged exposure to sunlight or other sources of ultraviolet radiation.

This burn is caused by ultraviolet rays in the sun or tanning devices (solarium). Unlike thermal burns, sunburn does not appear immediately. So, when the pain and reddening of the skin begins, skin damage has already occurred. The pain is most severe 6 to 48 hours after exposure to sunlight. In severe cases, it may cause blistering and the swelling of the skin, especially in feet, is common.

For a brief review of Iran’s achievements in various fields of science and technology, check the book “Science and Technology in Iran: A Brief Review

After sunburn, some toxins are released in the body causing fever to appear as a common symptom. Exfoliation usually occurs three to eight days after exposure to severe sunlight. There are some factors that can worsen sunburn including exposure to the sun at its peak hour (10 am to 4 pm), especially in infants and children that are more sensitive than adults.

People with bright skins are more likely to get sunburns than those with darker skins. Using some medications, including antibiotics and birth control pills as well as some cosmetics could exacerbate sunburns.

The sunburn with blistering doubles the risk of cancer of the coloured skin cells called melanocytes.

Moreover, sustained exposure to sunlight can cause skin aging and wrinkles. Age spots (lentigo) are the result of skin exposure to the sunlight. Therefore, it is necessary to take care of your skin against harmful rays of sunlight, as they can become extremely dangerous in some cases and may need special ways to be treated.

Seyedeh Maryam Hosseini Lahijani

Hedieh Lahiji is an Iranian journalist who mainly reports the latest developments in science and technology. Her work in the IFP is mainly focused on the coverage of Iranian knowledge-based companies and their scientific achievements.

Recent Posts

Iran strongly condemns Israeli official West Bank annexation comment

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman has strongly condemned an Israeli cabinet minister’s statement regarding the annexation…

9 hours ago

Minister: Iran’s population will decrease to 35 million in over 7 decades

Iran’s interior minister issues a stark warning about the aging population of the country if…

9 hours ago

Iran reeling from murder of heart specialist

Iranians are still reeling from the murder of a heart specialist in the country where…

13 hours ago

Heavy autumn snow blankets Damavand

The first autumn snow has whitened the heights of northeastern Tehran.

13 hours ago

Iran says 4 Israeli-backed terrorists killed, 7 injured in anti-terror operation

An Iranian official has announced that four mercenary terrorists affiliated with the Zionist regime were…

13 hours ago

US says to continue sending arms to Israel despite dire conditions in Gaza

The United States will not change its policy on weapons transfers to Israel even though…

15 hours ago