Sunburn is caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays, which actually burn up the surface skin and later the lower cells. The amount of exposure to ultraviolet rays which cause burning depends basically on four things: The individual, place, time, and atmospheric conditions.
Caution should be used in exposing oneself to the sun for extended periods of time between 10:00 A.M. and 2:00 P.M. when most of the ultraviolet rays are present. Reflections from water, metal, sand, or snow may double the number of rays one absorbs.
Burns may be classified in three degrees, the first-degree sunburn causes reddening of the skin and possibly slight fever. Second-degree sunburn causes reddening of the skin accompanied by water blisters. Third-degree sunburn causes lower cell damage and the release of fluid resulting in eruptions and breaks in the skin where bacteria and infection can enter.
Coldwater soaking or cold water compresses, together with an additional intake of vitamins A, C, and E, are recommended for treatment of sunburn.
