Refers to a condition whereby a sunburn obtained in cool or cloudy conditions is incorrectly attributed to the effects of the wind rather than the sun.
It occurs mostly in North America, due to the cool or cloudy conditions making people unaware that they are still vulnerable to the burning effects of the sun’s UV radiation.
Windburn is a widely held misconception.
The treatment of windburn is as for sunburn.
Prevention measures are those for sunburn: wearing protective clothing, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and seeking shade.
Wind as a contributing factor Edit
The cooling effects of the wind decreases the perception of heat and burning, and are more likely to stay exposed to the burning effects of the sun’s UV radiation for longer.
Wind has a drying effect on the skin, which may exacerbate the symptoms of a sunburn.