Sunburn

Sunburn is defined as “skin irritation or damage from overexposure to sun or ultraviolet light.” It has been well documented that the more sun exposure you receive the higher your risk for skin damage and certain diseases. Sunburn is completely preventable with proactive measures of protecting your skin, yet many people do not remember, or are uninformed about the importance of taking preemptive measures to safeguard their skin.

Here in Georgia, we are all aware of how hot summers can be. With temperatures repeatedly in the 90s and drought-like conditions, the heat can be oppressive – making people more likely to remember to apply sunscreen when they know that they are going to be outside. Applying sunscreen to the skin any time before sun exposure is incredibly important in protecting your skin against sunburn. It is also essential that you remember to reapply sunscreen because it will soak into your skin, your sweat will wash it away, and any time you are in the pool, ocean, or lake will also wash your sunscreen away.

Perhaps the most underscored element of skin protection is remembering to protect your skin even when you are inside, as well as on cool or cloudy days. The sun has powerful rays that break through cloud coverage and windows, which means your skin can be sunburned without it even crossing your mind. By making the application of sunscreen a daily habit, you will help to protect your skin every day.

Sunburn causes pre-aging of skin, dark spots, dry skin, and skin cancer – so protecting your skin should be a no-brainer. Apply sunscreen generously and reapply at least every two hours. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher for the best protection against the sun’s damaging rays.

At Medical Dermatology Specialists, we truly care about your skin. If you have experienced sunburn and are in pain, please call us for relief. If you have experienced repeated instances of sunburn it is important that you have a skin cancer screening. The success rate of skin cancer treatment is greatly increased by the early detection of skin cancer. Dr. Jamie Weisman is a true advocate for your skin’s health. Call our dermatology practice today.