THE DEADLY TRUTH ABOUT SUNBURN
We describe sunburns as deadly because they trigger apoptosis, or cell death, due to high exposure to UVB radiation—one of the two basic types of ultraviolet rays. Even if the damaged cells survive, they become more prone to transforming into cancerous ones.
The effects of sunburn peak one to two days after exposure, leading to the gradual progression of redness and pain. Some immune components are tasked with cleaning up skin cells undergoing self-destruction, while others release chemicals that further harm already weakened ones.
