Sunburn can cause skin cancer

By Dr. Vikas Goswami 

Many people love to be in sun whether in winters or on a beach holiday unaware about its causes. Too much exposure in sun causes wrinkles and ageing spots on the face. Tanned skin is very much IN these days which are obtained from exposure to sun but many of us don’t know that it increases the risk of skin cancer. 

Over exposure to the UV which is ultraviolet rays from the sun is the main cause of skin cancer. A UV ray also is responsible for sunburns. Sunburn is a clear sign that the DNA in your skin cells has been damaged by too much of UV radiation. Getting painful sunburn, just once every 2 years, can triple your risk of melanoma skin cancer. You cannot feel the heat of UV rays as the heat from the sun comes from infrared rays, which can’t burn you. This is why people cannot distinguish between the burn and the warmth of sun. The UV radiation from the sun is the number one cause of skin cancer, but UV light from tanning beds is just as harmful. Exposure to sun during the winter months puts you at the same risk as exposure during the summertime. 

When you get a sunburn your skin turns red and might and even sore . this sore can be downright painful. In fact, it can hurt a lot when you move. Exposure to ultraviolet light also can cause your skin to bruise and tear more

easily. Another risk is that ultraviolet rays can damage your skin’s natural immune function, which can lead to the formation of cancerous skin lesions. 

Getting sunburn doesn’t mean you will definitely develop skin cancer. But getting sun burnt a lot does mean you have a higher risk of the disease. Prevention is always better than the cure. To prevent sunburn you have to be cautious and should follow these tips below: 

• As a mandatory rule, apply sunscreen to your skin when you know you’re going out in the sun or getting UV rays. Remember, you can get a sun burn even when it's cloudy. It's best to check the UV Index number use SPF 30 or more and plan accordingly. 
• Try to wear full sleeves when step out in sun also try and wear hat with sunglasses on as it helps blocking the sunrays whenever possible. 
• Always hydrate yourself. Keep your fluid level high; drink water throughout your day. Staying hydrated will help to prevent any headaches or exhaustion you might normally have when you step out in sun. 

How to soothe a burn: 

If you notice sun burn or redness on your skin after the sun’s exposure the first thing you should do is get out of the sun and preferably indoors. Go and check with the doctor if the burn is turning more red and painful otherwise you can try the following tips: 

• Apply ice packs or put a cold, wet towel on your skin. Do this for 10 or 15 minutes every day and repeat 3 or 4 times a day. That will help take some of the heat out of your skin. You also can take frequent cool baths or showers to help relieve the pain. ·         
• Apply aloe vera or use a moisturizer that contains aloe vera to help soothe sunburned skin. You can also apply aloe vera gel to the burned area it helps make your skin feel better. ·         
• If your skin blisters, don't pop them because that makes the sunburn worse. Blistering skin means you have second-degree sunburn. Allow the blisters to heal and protect you from infection.