A sunburn is an acute inflammatory reaction of the skin resulting from overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV radiation damages skin cells, causing redness and pain. The severity of a sunburn depends on the intensity and duration of UV exposure, as well as an individual’s skin type.
Categorizing Burn Severity
Burns are classified by their depth and the skin layers affected. First-degree burns, also known as superficial burns, involve only the outermost layer of skin, the epidermis. These burns are characterized by redness, pain, and mild swelling without blistering, similar to a mild sunburn.
Second-degree burns, or partial-thickness burns, extend deeper, affecting both the epidermis and a portion of the dermis. These burns present with more intense pain, redness, swelling, and the formation of blisters. Healing time for second-degree burns can range from days to several weeks.
Third-degree burns are the most severe, destroying both the epidermis and dermis, and potentially reaching deeper tissues like fat, muscle, or bone. These full-thickness burns may appear white, charred, or leathery, often resulting in numbness.
Identifying Second-Degree Sunburns
Symptoms include extremely red or discolored skin, significant swelling, and the formation of blisters. The affected area may also appear wet or shiny, with intense pain and sensitivity. Blisters are a primary indicator that the sunburn has progressed beyond a first-degree burn, signifying damage to the dermis.
Caring for Second-Degree Sunburns
Immediate care for a second-degree sunburn involves cooling the affected skin and managing pain. Applying cool (not cold) water to the burn for 15 to 30 minutes can help reduce pain and lower skin temperature. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can alleviate discomfort.
Protect any blisters that form, as they act as a natural barrier against infection; do not pop them. If blisters break, cover the area loosely with a clean, non-stick bandage to prevent infection. Seek medical attention if the burn covers a large area (more than 3 inches in diameter), affects sensitive areas like the face, hands, feet, or genitals, or if there are signs of infection such as increasing redness, pus, foul odor, or fever.
Strategies for Sun Protection
Preventing severe sunburns is important for skin health. Using broad-spectrum sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30 is recommended, as it blocks approximately 97% of UVB rays. For extended outdoor activities, an SPF of 50 or higher is advisable, and sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours, or more frequently after swimming or sweating.
Wearing protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts and pants made of tightly woven fabric, can shield skin from UV radiation. Some clothing features a Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating, indicating its effectiveness in blocking UV rays. Seeking shade, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun’s rays are strongest, and wearing wide-brimmed hats and UV-protective sunglasses further reduces exposure.