After spending time enjoying the sun, you don’t want to have angry-looking and painful skin, prone to blistering or peeling. For many people, however, sunburn is a lasting reminder of time spent in the sun. Sunburn can be avoided with adequate forms of prevention.
What is sunburn?
- The body protects itself from UV light by accelerating the production of melanin, which is the dark pigment that gives skin its color. When melanin production is accelerated, the extra melanin produced, gives skin a darker color.
- If someone is continuously exposed to UV light, their skin will typically become red, painful and hot to touch. Even if the sun is not shining bright, it is still possible to get sunburned.
- It is recommended to wear sunscreen even when in the shade on bright days.
- Many people do not take sunburn seriously, but a dermatologist will remind you that there is no such thing as a safe tan.
For more information or to make an appointment, contact Dr. David S. Balle at 313.886.2600.