Sunburns: Risks and Protection

Sun safety is an important issue in a warm climate like Florida. Spending too much time outdoors without taking proper precautions can cause dehydration, heat exhaustion, and other medical conditions. Perhaps the best known risk and one of the most dangerous is sunburn.

UV Rays and Skin Damage

Sunburns are caused by excessive exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation. They are often mild, and the pain usually fades in a matter of days. Because of this, many people make the mistake of assuming that sunburns are merely a harmless inconvenience of summer. In fact, severe sunburns can blister and potentially lead to infections or other complications.<

Of course, the most significant risk of sunburn is its link to melanoma, a type of skin cancer. It is not technically accurate to say that sunburns cause melanoma. Rather, they share a cause. Excessive exposure to UV rays causes damage to skin cells, which can lead to both sunburn and melanoma.

UV rays are always present in natural sunlight, but can have other sources as well. Spending time in tanning booths or even exposure to welding arcs can cause skin damage.

Skin Protection

To avoid sunburn, be cautious about spending too much time outside between 10 AM and 3 PM; this is usually the brightest time of day. When you do go outside, be sure to wear sunscreen, and to reapply it regularly. Do not make the mistake of thinking you cannot get sunburned on an overcast day.

If you use tanning beds, be sure to do so in moderation. Research tanning salons carefully, and choose one with a healthy and responsible skincare policy. If a tanning salon employee tries to downplay the potential risks of UV ray exposure, this is probably not the facility for you.

Contact Us

If you have suffered skin damage or melanoma due to an irresponsible tanning salon or property owner, contact Jacksonville UV radiation burn lawyer Don Guthrie at 904-493-6455.