WHAT IS SUNBURN?Sunburn is a reaction to exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The top layers of your skin release chemicals that cause your blood vessels to expand and leak fluids, causing inflammation, pain and redness. Without protection, UV radiation (both UVA and UVB) will immediately start to penetrate deep into the layers of your skin, damaging the skin's cells. Skin turns red within two to six hours of being burnt. It will continue to develop for the next twenty-four to seventy-two hours. UVA radiationUVA radiation penetrates deep into the skin, affecting the living skin cells that lie under your skin's surface. UVA causes long-term damage like wrinkles, blotchiness, sagging and discoloration, and also contributes to skin cancer. UVB radiationUVB radiation penetrates the top layer of skin and is the main cause of skin tanning and sunburn. PeelingDamaged skin cells self-destruct and peel off in tatty sheets. It is the body's way of getting rid of damaged skin cells that might develop into cancers. SUNBURN AND SKIN CANCER RISKRepeated sunburn will increase your risk of melanoma. All types of sunburn, whether serious or mild, can cause permanent and irreversible skin damage. Further sunburn only increases your risk of developing skin cancer. DANGER TIMES FOR SUNBURNUltraviolet (UV) radiation is most intense 10 am–2 pm (or 11 am–3 pm during daylight savings). In Australia, sunburn can occur in less than fifteen minutes on a fine January day. As UV radiation is not related to temperature, many people get sunburnt when the temperature is between 18 and 27 degrees. People are most likely to get burnt when taking part in activities like gardening or sitting in the park. By being aware of these facts and protecting your skin when UV radiation levels are dangerous, you can avoid sunburn and lower your risk of skin cancer. Last updated: 25/10/2004 by SunSmart Victoria© 2004 The Cancer Council Victoria. All Rights Reserved.
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