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Researchers Isolate Source Of Sunburn Pain

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - For anybody who has ever fallen asleep on the beach or lay out too long in the sun, you know what causes sunburn, but what really causes sunburn pain?

According to a new report out of King College in London, it actually has to do with a molecule called CXCL5. This molecule is greatly increased in sunburn patients relative to those who have normal skin.

The researchers found this out by injecting CXCL5 into the skin of rats. They actually found that it mimicked the pain of sunburn, while blocking the activity of CXCL5, prevented sunburn-like pain.

You might be wondering, is there a treatment here for pain? Unfortunately no, they have not been able to carry that over into sunburn pain treatment.

Reported by Dr. Brian McDonough, KYW Newsradio 1060

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