This is How Sunburn Looks On A Black Woman
The definitions of ‘Sunburn and Suntan’ further widen the divide between white and black people even when they can both get skin cancer
I have had this skin discoloration for the past three weeks after I carelessly left my home without sunscreen. It has hurt me. It has itched.
When I googled Sunburn, most of the definitions on the web were similar.
Reddening, inflammation, and in severe cases, blistering and peeling of the skin caused by overexposure… — Oxford
When your skin is exposed to sun for a period of time, eventually it burns, turning red and irritated. — WebMD
Most of the images on the web are of white and fairer persons.
Then I googled Suntan and saw that is the general consensus about what my skin discoloration is.
Pleasantly brown skin caused by being in hot sun — Cambridge Dictionary
If you have a suntan, the sun has turned your skin an attractive brown color — Collins Dictionary
Black skin cannot redden. They can only get darker after being exposed to sunlight. This does not mean that my skin discoloration is any less than a sunburn.
White and fairer skin tones can redden.
This does not mean that I enjoy my black skin getting darker out in the sun. It is not a leisure activity for me. And, please, do not call it an attractive brown color.
I wonder why there are two definitions for this when they both mean the same thing. They only manifest differently according to one's skin tone.
The effect of sunburn varies from one skin tone to another. Exposure to sunlight causes both. It is definitely unhealthy for every skin tone. It damages the skin and increases your risk of skin cancer.
While we debate whether this should have two names or not, let us move on.
How To Protect Yourself
— Do not forget your sunscreen on your way out. Dermatologists advise you use at least SPF 30.
— Substitute with hats and caps where necessary. Bucket hats to the rescue on days I have to work.
— Avoid going out in the sun in the middle of the day, when its intensity is high. From around 10 am to 4 pm.
— Wear protective clothing. If you must go out during this time, opt for light long-sleeved clothing. To ensure you are comfortable and protected.
How To Treat Yourself If You Have Sunburn
— Gently use a cool, wet cloth to dab the affected skin
— Apply aloe vera gel to the skin frequently while it heals. There is a reason it is referred to as the burn plant.
— Stay away from the sun for the next few weeks to facilitate the healing process
— Drink plenty of water. To ensure that it hydrates your skin from the inside out.
Growing up as dark-skinned black women, we are told the sun could do us no harm. We have more melanin and so forth. Alas! that has been proven wrong by doctors.
Staying out in the sun without adequate protection is dangerous. Whether for a white or black person. Skin cancer may be rare in people with darker skin, but they prove deadlier, because of late diagnosis. Darker-skinned people feel too protected, and usually do not visit the doctor's for treatment until it is almost too late in most cases.
Skin cancers can happen to anyone. Dark skin tone does not mean you are protected — Dr. Naira Braghiroli
Sources
While skin cancer rates among Blacks are low, deaths are higher than whites for melanoma - Miami Herald
What dark-skinned people need to know about sun care — Healthline.com
Aloe Vera for Sunburn may be just what you need — Healthline.com
Skin Protection from sun damage — Cleveland Clinic
About the Creator
Oly Awamba
I write about life as I know it. As I experience it. As it could be better.
Comments
There are no comments for this story
Be the first to respond and start the conversation.