Sunburn

Sunburn is a common skin condition caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. It primarily affects the skin, which is the body's largest organ and acts as a protective barrier. When the skin is exposed to too much UV light, it becomes red, painful, and warm due to inflammation. This reaction is the body's way of trying to repair damage to the skin cells. Severe sunburn can cause blistering and peeling, and repeated sunburns increase the risk of skin cancer. The symptoms usually develop within a few hours after exposure and can last several days.

Sunburn is an acute inflammatory reaction of the epidermis and upper dermis caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation. The UVB rays induce DNA damage in keratinocytes, triggering a local immune response characterized by erythema, edema, and pain. This damage leads to the release of inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandins and cytokines, which cause vasodilation and increased vascular permeability. Clinically, sunburn presents with redness, tenderness, and sometimes blistering of the affected skin. The condition is significant because it reflects acute skin injury and is a major risk factor for photoaging and cutaneous malignancies including melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers.