Sunburn results when the amount of exposure to the sun or other ultraviolet light source exceeds the ability of the body's protective pigment, melanin, to protect the skin. A serious sunburn is as serious as a thermal burn, and may have the same systemic effects such as blistering, edema and fever.

Review Date: 2/20/2002 12:00:00 AM Reviewed By:A.D.A.M. Medical Illustration Team

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