Overview
UV radiation is a form of energy from the sun. It is also produced by some artificial sources, including tanning beds and certain workplace equipment. Small amounts of sun exposure may be part of daily life, but too much UV can injure the skin and eyes and increase the chance of skin cancer over time.
Key Symptoms
Short-term effects of too much UV can include red or painful skin, sunburn, swelling, blistering, peeling, and eyes that feel irritated or sensitive to light. Some people notice darkening of the skin after exposure, which is also a sign of skin damage. Long-term effects can include early skin aging, new or changing spots on the skin, and vision problems related to sun damage.
Causes and Risk Factors
UV exposure is stronger during the middle of the day, at higher altitudes, and near surfaces that reflect sunlight such as water, sand, snow, and concrete. Tanning beds and sun lamps also expose the body to UV radiation. Risk can be higher for people who spend a lot of time outdoors, have lighter skin, have a personal or family history of skin cancer, use medicines that increase sun sensitivity, or have health conditions that make the skin more sensitive to light.
Who Is Affected
Anyone can be affected by UV exposure, regardless of skin tone. However, the pattern of injury can differ from person to person, and some people burn more quickly than others. Children, outdoor workers, athletes, travelers, and people living near the equator or at high altitude may have higher exposure.
Prevention
Limit direct sun exposure when UV is strongest, seek shade, and wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses that block UV rays. Use broad-spectrum sunscreen as directed on the product label and reapply as directed, especially after swimming or sweating. Avoid tanning beds, and pay extra attention around reflective surfaces because they can increase exposure.
Diagnosis and Tests
UV overexposure is often recognized by recent time in the sun or under artificial UV sources together with skin or eye symptoms. A healthcare professional may examine the skin or eyes and ask about medicines, work exposures, and changes in moles or spots. Ongoing skin changes may need assessment to look for skin cancer or other sun-related damage.
Treatment Categories
Care depends on the problem caused by UV exposure. Mild sunburn is often managed with cooling measures, fluids, and rest, while more serious burns or eye injuries may need medical evaluation. Long-term skin damage may require monitoring and treatment by a healthcare professional, especially if a spot is new, changing, bleeding, or not healing.
Living With It
Many people can lower future harm by making sun protection part of everyday routines, not only beach or vacation days. Checking the daily UV Index can help with planning outdoor activities. Regularly noticing your skin and reporting changes early can help with timely care.
When to Seek Medical Care
Seek medical care if sunburn is severe, covers a large area, causes significant blistering, or is accompanied by fever, vomiting, dizziness, confusion, or signs of dehydration. Get medical advice for eye pain, light sensitivity, vision changes, or a skin spot that changes in size, color, shape, or starts bleeding. People with weakened immune systems or a history of skin cancer should be especially cautious about new skin changes.
When It May Be an Emergency
Urgent care is needed if a person becomes confused, faints, has trouble breathing, cannot keep fluids down, shows signs of severe dehydration, or has major blistering burns. Emergency help may also be needed for sudden vision loss, severe eye pain, or symptoms of heat stroke occurring with sun exposure, such as a very high body temperature or altered mental state.