Sunburn is a common acute skin condition which quickly resolves with little to no treatment. We often do not give sunburn much though as a skin disease but it technically a superficial or first-degree burn. Studies have also shown that repeated bouts of severe sunburn can drastically increase the risk of skin cancer. Understanding why and how sunburn occurs is important in preventing it. What is sunburn? Sunburn is an acute skin reaction that arises with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Despite the name, sunburn can occur with exposure to any source of UV radiation, including tanning beds and phototherapy lamps. However, most cases are due to sun exposure where the sun is either very intense or exposure is very long. Sunscreens can prevent sunburn but its effectiveness is time-based as well as dependent on how thoroughly the sunscreen was applied. The protection factor (SPF) is also a consideration in sunburn prevention. The symptoms of sunburn usually start within 2 to 4 hours after exposure. It peaks after 12 to 24 hours and gradually subsides over days to resolve  almost completely by 4 to 7 days after the burn. Most cases do not require treatment apart from supportive measures to … Continue reading Sunburn Skin Rash (UV Exposure) Pictures, Duration