Sunburn occurs when skin is overexposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. This damage ranges from mild redness to severe conditions involving blistering and deeper tissue injury. Understanding a sunburn’s degree is important for proper care and recognizing when medical attention is necessary.
What Are Different Burn Degrees?
Burns are categorized by the depth of skin layers they affect. A first-degree burn, or superficial burn, impacts only the epidermis, the outermost skin layer. These burns result in redness, pain, and dryness, without blistering; a mild sunburn is a common example. A second-degree burn involves the epidermis and a portion of the dermis, presenting with redness, swelling, pain, and blistering. A third-degree burn, or full-thickness burn, destroys the epidermis and dermis, potentially extending into deeper tissues, and may appear white or charred with sensation loss.
How the Sun Causes Second-Degree Burns
The sun emits two types of UV radiation: UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the dermis and contribute to aging, while UVB rays are the main cause of sunburn and damage the skin’s outer layers. Intense or prolonged UV radiation, especially UVB, damages DNA within skin cells. This damage triggers an inflammatory response.
The body’s reaction to this damage involves fluid accumulation between the epidermis and dermis. This fluid forms blisters, which are fluid-filled sacs that protect the underlying skin. Blister formation signifies that UV radiation has penetrated sufficiently to cause a second-degree burn, affecting both superficial and deeper skin layers.
Recognizing a Second-Degree Sunburn
Identifying a second-degree sunburn involves recognizing specific signs. The affected skin will display deep redness or other color changes, such as white discoloration. Blisters, fluid-filled bumps that can be white or transparent, indicate a second-degree burn. These blisters may appear within a few hours or up to a day after sun exposure.
The burned area will be swollen, painful to the touch, and may appear shiny or wet. Unlike a first-degree sunburn, which causes redness and tenderness without blistering, the presence of blisters signals deeper skin damage. Avoid intentionally popping these blisters; they serve as a protective barrier for healing skin and help prevent infection.
Caring for a Second-Degree Sunburn
Care for a second-degree sunburn focuses on relieving pain and promoting healing. Cooling the affected area with cool (not cold) water or compresses for 15 to 30 minutes reduces pain and inflammation. After cooling, apply a fragrance-free aloe vera gel or petroleum jelly to keep the burn moisturized. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, help manage discomfort.
If blisters are present, keep them intact. If a blister breaks, gently clean the area and cover it with a non-stick bandage to prevent infection. Seek medical attention if the sunburn covers a large area (more than 20% of the body), especially if blisters affect sensitive areas like the face or genitals. Seek professional care for signs of infection (pus, spreading redness, foul odor) or systemic symptoms (high fever, chills, nausea, severe pain, dehydration).
Preventing Severe Sunburn
Protecting skin from UV radiation prevents severe sunburns. Applying broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher is a preventive measure. Sunscreen should be applied generously to all exposed skin at least 15 minutes before going outdoors and reapplied every two hours, or more frequently after swimming or sweating.
Seeking shade, particularly between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when UV rays are most intense, reduces exposure. Wearing protective clothing provides a barrier against UV radiation, including:
- Long-sleeved shirts
- Pants
- Wide-brimmed hats
- Sunglasses
These measures reduce the risk of sun damage and severe sunburns.