"Sunburns are sending tens of thousands of people to the emergency room"
You might think a sunburn is no big deal — a little redness, maybe some peeling, and you're good to go. But a 2017 study published in JAMA Dermatology reveals something many don’t realize:
Sunburns are sending tens of thousands of people to the emergency room—and costing millions in medical care.
The Numbers Behind the Burn
Researchers analyzed data from the 2013 Nationwide Emergency Department Sample and found that:
- An estimated 33,826 sunburn-related ER visits occurred that year
- These visits racked up $11.2 million in direct hospital costs
- The most affected groups were males under 18 and females aged 18–29
- Most visits happened in the spring and summer, especially in the southern U.S.
Why This Matters
Sunburns aren’t just cosmetic issues—they’re signs of serious UV damage, which increase long-term risks for:
- Skin cancer
- Premature aging
-
Acute injuries that require medical attention
Sunburn is 100% preventable.
- Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen
- Wear protective clothing and hats
- Seek shade, especially during peak UV hours
UVELLA’s Commitment
At UVELLA, we believe protecting your skin shouldn’t be a luxury.
That’s why our sunscreens are:
- Easy to apply
- Designed for daily comfort and consistency
- Backed by science and dermatological research
- Made to prevent both sunburn and skin damage
Scientific Reference
- Guy, G. P. Jr., Berkowitz, Z., & Watson, M. (2017). Estimated cost of sunburn-associated visits to U.S. hospital emergency departments. JAMA Dermatology, 153(1), 90–92.
Reviewed by:
Jungyoon Ohn, MD, PhD
Board-Certified Dermatologist
