sunburn

sunburn, inflammation of the skin caused by actinic rays from the sun or artificial sources. Moderate exposure to ultraviolet radiation is followed by a red blush, but severe exposure may result in blisters, pain, and constitutional symptoms. As ultraviolet rays penetrate the skin, they break down collagen and elastin, the two main structural components of the skin, a process that results in the wrinkled appearance of sun-damaged skin. In addition, the sun damages the DNA of the exposed skin cells. In response, the cells release enzymes that excise the damaged parts of the DNA and encourage the production of replacement DNA (a process that can go wrong and result in skin cancer). At the same time, the production of melanin increases, darkening the skin. Melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color, acts as a barrier to further damage by absorbing ultraviolet light. A suntan results from this attempt by the skin to protect itself. Light-skinned persons and infants are especially susceptible to ultraviolet rays because they lack sufficient protective skin pigment. Certain diseases and drugs may also increase photosensitivity.

Due to the increase in the incidence of skin cancer and the effects of ozone layer depletion, more attention is being placed on protecting the skin from the sun's ultraviolet rays with broad spectrum sunscreens or clothing. Broad spectrum sunscreens block both UVA and UVB rays (two of the three bands of ultraviolet radiation). The relative UVB protection of a sunscreen is indicated by its SPF (sun protection factor) number; a higher number indicates a more effective sunscreen. Some products may contain opaque formulations of zinc oxide or titanium dioxide that physically block all rays.

Acute skin inflammation caused by overexposure to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight or other sources. More common and severe in light-skinned people, it ranges from mild redness and tenderness to intense pain, edema, and blistering, sometimes with shock, fever, and nausea. The process begins after 15 minutes in the sun, but redness starts 6–12 hours later and peaks within a day. Pigment cells in the skin increase melanin production (“tan”). Cold compresses and analgesics reduce pain. Limiting sun exposure, using sunscreen, and wearing protective clothing can prevent severe sunburn. Long-term sun exposure can eventually cause skin cancer, as well as skin wrinkling and thickening.

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SunBurn is a regional event held in Florida. Although SunBurn has its roots in the annual Burning Man festival in Nevada, it is not an official Burning Man event, because the organizers of SunBurn do not condone the direction that the Burning Man Organization (BMorg) has taken over the years. The original fall weekend on which SunBurn was held has been usurped by AfterBurn, which is an event sanctioned by BMorg. The real SunBurn is now a random, privately held, invitation-only party.

Like the original Burning Man before it became political and bureaucratic, art, music, fire and other forms of creativity -- including performance art, large-scale temporary constructions and alternative engineering -- are welcome at SunBurn. Radical self-expression are the goals, and community is emphasized. There is no vending on site (not even ice) -- gifting among participants is encouraged, but cash transactions are forbidden (the proceeds from the admission fee go entirely to cover event expenses). SunBurn is a leave no trace event. All attendees are encouraged to participate in some way rather than being spectators to others' participation.

See also

• List of regional Burning Man events