A sunburn is a radiation burn to the skin produced by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, commonly from the sun’s rays. A similar burn can be produced by overexposure to other sources of UV, such as tanning lamps and welding arcs. Exposure of the skin to lesser amounts of UV will often produce a suntan.
Sunburn usually develops as a result of over-exposure to sun or less commonly, occupational exposure. Typically, there is substantial pain associated with sunburn.
Sunburn occurs when exposure to UV light exceeds the protective capacity of an individual’s melanin. Melanin content varies greatly, but in general darker-skinned people have more melanin than those with lighter skin. This leads to a reduced incidence of sunburn amongst dark-skinned individuals.