Sun protective clothing with a SPF rating can also provide additional protection. Artificial UV exposure
The WHO recommends that artificial UV exposure including tanning beds should be avoided as no safe dose has been established. When one is exposed to any artificial source of occupational UV, special protective clothing (for example, welding helmets/shields) should be worn. Such sources can produce UVC, an extremely carcinogenic wavelength of UV which ordinarily is not present in normal sunlight, having been filtered out by the atmosphere. Treatment
The primary measure of treatment is avoiding further exposure to the sun. The best treatment for most sunburns is time; most sunburns heal completely within a few weeks. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends the following for the treatment of sunburn:
For pain relief, take cool baths or showers frequently. Use soothing moisturizers that contain aloe vera or soy. Anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or aspirin can help with pain. Keep hydrated and drink extra water. Do not pop blisters on a sunburn; let them heal on their own instead. Protect sunburned skin (see: Sun protective clothing and Sunscreen) with loose clothing when going outside to prevent further damage while not irritating the sunburn.Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs; such as ibuprofen or naproxen), and aspirin may decrease redness and pain. Local anesthetics such as benzocaine, however, are contraindicated. Schwellnus et al. state that topical steroids (such as hydrocortisone cream) do not help with sunburns, although the American Academy of Dermatology says they can be used on especially sore areas.
Unlike phototoxic reactions which resemble exaggerated sunburns, photoallergic reactions can cause intense itching and can lead to thickening of the skin. Phytophotodermatitis: UV radiation induces inflammation of the skin after contact with certain plants (including limes, celery, and meadow grass). Causes pain, redness, and blistering of the skin in the distribution of plant exposure. Polymorphic light eruption: Recurrent abnormal reaction to UVR. It can present in various ways including pink-to-red bumps, blisters, plaques and urticaria. Solar urticaria: UVR-induced wheals that occurs within minutes of exposure and fades within hours. Other skin diseases exacerbated by sunlight: Several dermatologic conditions can increase in severity with exposure to UVR. These include systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), dermatomyositis, acne, atopic dermatitis, and rosacea.Additionally, since sunburn is a type of radiation burn, it can initially hide a severe exposure to radioactivity resulting in acute radiation syndrome or other radiation-induced illnesses, especially if the exposure occurred under sunny conditions. For instance, the difference between the erythema caused by sunburn and other radiation burns is not immediately obvious. Symptoms common to heat illness and the prodromic stage of acute radiation syndrome like nausea, vomiting, fever, weakness/fatigue, dizziness or seizure can add to further diagnostic confusion. Prevention
The most effective way to prevent sunburn is to reduce the amount of UV radiation reaching the skin.