What severe effect can result from skin exposure to ultraviolet radiation?

Skin exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation can lead to severe burns, commonly referred to as sunburn. This occurs because UV radiation penetrates the skin and damages the DNA in skin cells, resulting in inflammatory responses. Severe burns caused by UV exposure can result in redness, swelling, blistering, and significant pain, as well as long-term effects such as increased risk of skin cancer.

In contrast, while rashes, itching, and frostbite may be skin-related issues, they do not stem directly from UV radiation exposure. Rashes can arise from various irritants or allergic reactions, itching could be a symptom of many conditions, and frostbite is typically associated with extreme cold rather than UV exposure. Thus, severe burns represent the most direct and concerning consequence of skin exposure to ultraviolet radiation.