How is skin cancer caused by sunburn? Understand symptoms, practical solutions, and more

Summertime is a season of mild temperatures, sunlight, and outdoor activities. Sunburn is a possibility even if enjoying the sun may be fun. Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun or artificial sources, such as tanning beds, may result in sunburn. UV rays cause DNA damage to skin cells, which leads to inflammation and red, itchy, and sometimes puffy skin. As per the statement of Dr. G. Vamshi Krishna Reddy, who is the Director of Oncology Services and a Consultant Medical Oncologist as well as a Hemato Oncologist, sunburn symptoms often arise a few hours after sun exposure and might deteriorate over the next 24-48 hours.
Typical signs of sunburn include:

Redness: The skin in the afflicted region may seem red and feel heated to the touch.

Sunburned skin may experience discomfort, soreness, or itching.
Swelling: Sunburns that are severe enough may make the afflicted region swell.
Blisters: Fluid-filled blisters may occur as a consequence of severe sunburn.
Peeling: As burnt skin heals, it may begin to peel after a few days.

It’s essential to take action to calm afflicted skin and encourage healing in order to cure sunburn. Among them are:

Cool compresses: The burnt region may be made less uncomfortable and inflamed by applying cool, moist cloths to it.

Hydration: Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, particularly if you have a sunburn that covers a substantial portion of your body.
Moisturizers: Sunburned skin may be soothed and hydrated by using aloe vera gel or moisturizing lotion.

Pain alleviation: Paracetamol and other over-the-counter painkillers may help lessen discomfort and inflammation.
Steer clear of further sun exposure: Sunburned skin should be shielded from more sunlight until it has healed fully.

The secret to keeping skin healthy is avoiding sunburn.
Although a sunburn does not automatically cause cancer, being sunburned again may greatly raise your chance of getting skin cancer, including melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma. Long-term UV radiation exposure causes DNA damage to skin cells, which may ultimately result in mutations and malignant development.

It is essential to use high-SPF sunscreen, wear protective clothes, seek shade during the hottest parts of the day, and stay away from indoor tanning beds in order to protect your skin from sunburn and UV radiation. Preventing and treating skin cancer also need regular skin examinations and early diagnosis. It’s crucial to see a dermatologist right away if you see any changes to your skin, including growths that seem out of the ordinary or new moles that have changed.