Why is sunburn bad?

Sunburn now could lead to melanoma later in life – no matter what your skin type.

The skin is made of tiny ‘building blocks’ called cells. Skin cells can sometimes become cancerous when they have been damaged eg, by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.

Each time skin is exposed to UV radiation changes take place in the structure and function of our skin cells. Over time, the skin can become permanently damaged and the damage worsens with each exposure.

Sunburn is caused by excess exposure to UV radiation from the sun or sun beds. It can hurt a little or a lot! Symptoms can range from mild pinking or reddening of the skin and some tenderness or painfulness. In more severe cases the skin can swell and blister. Symptoms may begin as soon as one hour after exposure and will continue to develop for the next 24 to 72 hours.

All types of sunburn, whether serious or mild, can cause permanent and irreversible skin damage. In people with fair skin, some types of skin cancer are related to the number of severe sunburns the person has had, particularly sunburns during childhood and adolescence. Other types of skin cancer in people with fair skin tend to be related to a person’s lifetime or ‘cumulative’ exposure to UV radiation.

Be SunSmart and protect yourself and your family from sunburn. Slip, slop, slap and wrap.