Saturday, June 17, 2017

What is a Sunburn and How to Care For this Condition

Definition
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can cause damage to the skin. Exposure to sunlight causes activity in the dendritic cells known as melanocytes and the release of melanin, a pigment responsible for skin coloration. While gradual exposure produces tanning, excessive exposure causes damage to melanocytes, sometimes leading to a cancer of the skin known ad melanoma.

Cause of injury
Excessive exposure to sunlight. Failure to cover exposed skin. Failure to apply sunscreen during extended exposure.

Signs and Symptom
Redness, pain, and in severe cases blistering of the skin

Immediate Treatment
Get out of the sun as soon as possible. Cool baths as needed and topical moisturizers, including aloe vera.

Long-term Prognosis
Most sunburn heals in a matter of days, though damages layered may blister and peel away, with fresh skin replacing the dead layers. This new skin is extremely vulnerable to damage of the sun and should be avoided. Repeated exposure to the sun increases the risk of skin cancer or melanoma.


Reference: Walker, B. (2013). The Anatomy of Sports Injuries. Chichester, England. Lotus Publishing.

Neil Asher Advanced Trigger Point Techniques offers "The Anatomy of Sports Injuries" course, go here to check out what the course has to offer, along with other trigger point courses.

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