First and second degree symptoms

Sunburn refers to flushed, damaged skin caused by overexposure to UV rays from the sun or an artificial heat source. Sunburn varies from mild to severe.

In the United States, sunburn is common. A 2015 National Health Interview Survey showed that 50% of 18–29-year-old adults reported cases of sunburn in the previous year.

Sunburn is usually first degree or second degree, depending on the depth and size of the affected area of skin.

This article looks at the signs and symptoms of first and second degree sunburn, as well as some treatment options. It also looks at how people can lower their risk of sunburn.

First degree sunburn damages the skin’s outer layer and will heal by itself, usually within a few days.

A person with first degree sunburn may notice the following skin symptoms, usually about 4 hours after exposure to sunlight:

• redness, which is more apparent on light skin
• a warm or tight feeling
• swelling or blistering
• soreness

A person may also experience peeling skin around 3–8 days after exposure.

Other symptoms may also accompany first degree sunburn. These include headaches, raised temperature, fatigue, and nausea.

First degree sunburn may take up to a week to heal. In the meantime, people with sunburn can try the following to help ease the symptoms:

• Take paracetamol, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen to relieve any pain, headaches, or fever.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
• Take a cool bath or shower.
• Apply cool compresses to the affected area.
• Avoid sun exposure until the sunburn has healed.
• Apply moisturizing cream, aloe vera, or over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream to the affected area.
• Lightly bandage any blistered areas to prevent infection, and apply antiseptic ointment or hydrocortisone cream to the affected area.

Second degree sunburn may penetrate the skin’s outer layer and damage the layer beneath, which is called the dermis.

It may take weeks to heal and may need specialist treatment. A person with second degree sunburn may notice the following symptoms:

• skin that is deep red, especially on light skin
• swelling and blistering over a large area
• wet-looking, shiny skin
• pain
• white discoloration within the burned area of skin

People with second degree sunburn can follow the same steps to ease their symptoms as those with first degree sunburn. However, they may need further advice and treatment from a healthcare professional.

People with second degree sunburn should contact a doctor if they have skin that is badly blistered and swollen or have symptoms of heatstroke or heat exhaustion. These symptoms include:

• having a raised temperature
• feeling hot and shivery
• exhaustion
• dizziness
• nausea
• headache
• muscle cramps
• confusion
• seizures
• slurred speech
• fast breathing or a rapid pulse

Second degree sunburn may take several weeks to heal. Treatment may require specialist burn cream and burn dressings.

Occasionally, people with severe sunburn may need hospital treatment, particularly if they also have heatstroke.

Treatment may include:

• ice packs, cool baths, or cool compresses to bring down body temperature
• cold water flushes into the stomach or rectum
• anti-seizure or muscle-relaxing medications to control shivering and convulsions
• diverting blood from the heart and lungs, cooling it in a special machine, then returning it to the body

Children and babies with severe sunburn should always visit a healthcare professional for further advice and treatment.

Certain factors increase the risk of sunburn. These include:

• being outdoors when the UV index is highest, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• having fair skin, blue eyes, freckles, or red or blonde hair
• being outdoors at higher altitudes, such as when skiing or hiking
• working or playing sports outdoors
• being closer to the equator

Younger people are at high risk. One 2017 survey found that around 50% of high school boys and 60% of high school girls had experienced sunburn in the previous 12 months.

Although people with dark skin are at relatively lower risk of burning, they should still take adequate measures to stay safe from sunburn.

People with sunburn should visit a healthcare professional if:

• Blistered skin covers much of the body.
• Blisters develop on the face, hands, or genitals.
• There are symptoms of infection, such as foul-smelling pus, bleeding, pain, or swelling.
• The symptoms do not improve within a few days.

A person needs emergency treatment if they experience:

• fever
• confusion or fainting
• symptoms of dehydration, heatstroke, or heat exhaustion

Sunburn in childhood can significantly increase the risk of developing skin cancer in later life.

People who have frequent sunburns should contact a dermatologist, as this can also increase the risk of skin cancer.

Sunburn can also age the skin prematurely.

The following tips can help reduce exposure to the sun’s harmful rays and protect the skin when outdoors:

• Apply adequate protective cream with an SPF of 30 or above to protect against UVB rays.
• Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours and after swimming.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors.
• Wear dark, close-weaved fabrics that block sunlight. Wearing UV protection factor clothing also helps.
• Look for shaded spots to sit in when outdoors.
• Avoid going outdoors between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the UV index is at its highest.

People with fair skin, blue eyes, and light hair are at highest risk of sunburn.

Symptoms of sunburn include flushed skin, swelling, blisters, and nausea. People who have any symptoms of dehydration, heatstroke, or heat exhaustion should seek advice from a healthcare professional.

People can usually treat sunburn at home. However, severe sunburn may occasionally need urgent specialist treatment.

If people take suitable precautions when outdoors, they will decrease their risk of sunburn.

Sunburn Prevention and Treatment

Written by Stephanie Watson

• What Causes Sunburn?
• What Are the Signs of Sunburn?
• How to Get Relief From Sunburn
• How Can You Prevent Sunburn?

Despite health warnings about sun damage, many of us still subject our skin to the sun’s burning rays. More than a third of adults and nearly 70% of children admit they’ve gotten sunburned within the past year, according to the CDC. Years of getting too much sun can lead to early wrinkling and age spots, and it makes you more likely to get skin cancer.

You can have a strategy for keeping your skin safe and find sunburn relief if you linger on your lounger too long. 

You already know the simple explanation behind sunburn. When your skin is exposed to the sun for a period of time, eventually it burns, turning red and irritated.

Under the skin, things get a little more complicated. The sun gives off three wavelengths of ultraviolet light:

• UVA
• UVB
• UVC

UVC light doesn’t reach the Earth’s surface. The other two types of ultraviolet light not only reach your beach towel, but they penetrate your skin. Skin damage is caused by UVA and UVB rays.

Sunburn may be the most obvious sign that you’ve been sitting outside for too long. But sun damage isn’t always visible. Under the surface, ultraviolet light can alter your DNA, prematurely aging your skin. Over time, DNA damage can contribute to skin cancers, including deadly melanoma.

How soon a sunburn begins depends on:

• Your skin type
• The sun’s intensity
• How long you’re exposed to the sun

While people with lighter skin tend to get sunburned more quickly, brown and Black skin can also burn. Sunburns may be harder to see on darker skin. But they still cause damage like wrinkles and hyperpigmentation – and raise your risk of skin cancer. 

When you get a sunburn, your skin hurts and may look red, depending on your skin tone. If the burn is severe, you can have swelling and sunburn blisters. You may even feel like you have the flu – feverish, with chills, nausea, a headache, and weakness.

A few days later, your skin will start peeling and itching as your body tries to rid itself of sun-damaged cells.

Sunburn treatment is designed to attack the burn on two fronts – relieving reddened, inflamed skin while easing pain. A few home remedies for sunburn are:

Compresses. Apply cold compresses to your skin or take a cool bath to soothe the burn.

Creams or gels. To take the sting out of your sunburn, gently rub on a cream or gel containing ingredients such as:

• Menthol
• Camphor
• Aloe – Use 90% aloe vera gel or the juice squeezed directly from the aloe plant. Every tropical culture uses aloe vera as a treatment for sunburn. It soothes damaged skin because it is anti-inflammatory and may prevent the burn from deepening.
• If you don’t have any of these, apply a moisturizing lotion that doesn’t contain alcohol.

Refrigerating the cream first will make it feel even better on your sunburned skin.

NSAIDs. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, like ibuprofen or naproxen, can relieve sunburn swelling and pain all over your body.

Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water and other fluids so that you don’t become dehydrated.

Avoid the sun. Until your sunburn heals, stay out of the sun.

You may be able to treat the sunburn yourself. But call a doctor if you notice any of these more serious sunburn signs:

• A fever of 102 F or higher
• Chills
• Severe pain
• A headache
• Sunburn blisters that cover 20% or more of your body, such as your entire chest and belly
• A dry mouth, thirst, reduced urination, dizziness, and fatigue, which are signs of dehydration

Also, if you notice any mark, bump, blemish, or mole that is changing, growing, or bleeding, call your doctor. It may be skin cancer, which is often treatable when it’s found early.

Some ways to keep your skin safe when you’re outside are:

Watch the clock. The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you can’t stay indoors during that block of time, at least stick to shady spots.

Wear the right clothes. When you have to be outdoors, wear sun-protective clothing, such as:

• A broad-brimmed hat
• A long-sleeved shirt and pants
• UV-blocking sunglasses

Use sunscreen. Cover any exposed areas of skin liberally with at least 1 ounce of broad-spectrum sunscreen. That means sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays.

The sunscreen should have an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 30. Follow these tips for applying sunscreen:

• Apply sunscreen about 30 minutes before you go outside.
• Use sunscreen even on overcast days, because UV rays can penetrate clouds.
• Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours – or more often if you’re sweating heavily or swimming.
• If you wear makeup, apply sunscreen first and then put on your foundation. By itself, foundation doesn’t have the broad-spectrum sunscreen that you need, even if it does have some sunscreen in it.

Talk to your doctor. Discuss any medications you take. Some antibiotics, antidepressants, and diabetes drugs can make skin more sensitive to sun. Some drugs that you put on your skin, including Renova and Retin-A, can make your skin very sensitive and cause it to burn quickly. If you use these treatments, ask your doctor how to protect your skin from the sun.

Top Picks

What to do with a tanned triangle on the chest

What to do with a tanned triangle on the chest

04 August 2017, 10:25

August 12, 2017, 18:50 Go to

August 04, 2017, 10:30

#1

August 04, 2017, 10:34 9000 3

#2

August 04, 2017, 10:34

#3

August 04, 2017 10:37 am

#4

August 4, 2017 10:40 am

#5

August 04, 2017 , 10:44

#6

August 04, 2017, 10:45

#7

guest

bandeau top should be worn, not triangle cutouts. Victoria

sunscreens will not save, if there were such, there would be no problems.
Sunbathing completely – I agree, but this is some kind of one-time event on a weekend or vacation, and in simple clothes (T-shirt or dress) I go out every day, and this is much more time than that which is allotted for tanning in a swimsuit , and the effect is therefore stronger in open areas – the arms (well, that’s okay) and the area on the chest under the neck

August 04, 2017, 10:500014 August 04, 2017 11:03 am

#11

August 04, 2017 11:10 am

#12

Victoria 9000 3

everyone does not wear it without exception, but no one has such a problem) nevertheless somehow they wear T-shirts

August 04, 2017, 11:34

#13

ke or a dress) I go outside every day, and this is much more time than that which is allotted for tanning in a swimsuit, and therefore the effect is stronger in open areas – arms (well, that’s okay) and the area on the chest under the neck

Aug 04, 2017 11:39 AM

#14

Aug 04, 2017 12:17

#15

Y awn

It is necessary to sunbathe before the summer in the cabin or on the beach (who has the opportunity) , then the street tan normally lays down, no triangles. Another tip: on weekends in the summer, walk around the city in a topic or sundress as open as possible.

Guest

Victoria
Sunbathing completely – I agree, but this is some kind of one-time event on a weekend or vacation, and in simple clothes (a T-shirt or a dress) I go out every day, and this is much more time than which is allotted for tanning in a swimsuit, and therefore the effect is stronger precisely in open areas – arms (well, that’s okay) and an area on the chest under the neck
Strange. How much time do you spend outside? In the morning to work, in the evening from work, does the skin really have time to tan during this time? Or do you work outside? For me, there is no such problem at all, because the most tan lies just after the beach, when I spent the whole day in the sun and near the water. And all week on the street only maintains a tan. And above you were rightly told: do you always wear the same clothes with the same neckline?

August 04, 2017 12:50 pm

#16

Aug 04, 2017 12:54

#17

Aug 04, 2017 13:02

#18

August 04, 2017, 13:23

#19

Victoria

creams they won’t save you from sunburn, if there were such, there would be no problems.
Sunbathing completely – I agree, but this is some kind of one-time event on a weekend or vacation, and in simple clothes (T-shirt or dress) I go out every day, and this is much more time than that which is allotted for tanning in a swimsuit , and the effect is therefore stronger precisely in open areas – the arms (well, that’s okay) and the area on the chest under the neck

04 August 2017, 13:24

#20

Irma

Are you from the village? There is usually something like this – they work in the field and the tan goes along the neckline of the blouson and along the sleeves.

August 04, 2017, 13:29

#21

Marinka

Victoria
Sunbathing completely – I agree, but this is some kind of one-time event on a weekend or vacation, and in simple clothes (T-shirt or dress) I go out every day, and this is much more time than that which is allotted for tanning in a swimsuit , and the effect is therefore stronger precisely in open areas – the arms (well, that’s okay) and the area on the chest under the neck
in the sense they will not save? 50 spf and you will be a little tanned, safe and without spots

August 04, 2017, 14:24

Sretensky_Andrey

Psychologist-consultant

15 answers

04 August 2017, 15:45

#23

Victoria

Marina Victoria
Sunbathing completely – I agree, but this is some kind of one-time event on a weekend or vacation, and in simple clothes (T-shirt or dress) I go out every day, and this is much more time than that which is allotted for tanning in a swimsuit , and the effect is therefore stronger precisely in open areas – the arms (well, that’s okay) and the area on the chest under the neck
in the sense they will not save? 50 spf and you will be a little tanned, safe and without spots
for the first time I hear that spf saves from sunburn, what kind of nonsense? then all the whites would come from the beach
in short, the solution is clear – a solarium and a scrub for the most tanned places, the topic is closed, flooders in figs, thanks for the advice

August 04, 2017, 15:59 august August 04, 2017 05:46

#26

Victoria

This is the first time I’ve heard that SPF can save you from sunburn, what kind of nonsense? then all the whites would come from the beach

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  Basic rules for a beautiful and healthy tan

  Basic rules for a beautiful and healthy tan
  

  Getting a tan is good for the human body, but only if you tan properly. After all, you can get so tanned that you get only one health problem – sunstroke, burns, and sometimes improper tanning can lead to skin cancer. Therefore, you need to know how to properly sunbathe in the sun, so that there is only benefit from tanning!

  About the benefits of the Sun

  The sun is a natural natural antidepressant that can charge us with energy, cheer up and add vitality. Under the influence of sunlight, we not only get a natural tan, but also get rid of fatigue and overwork. Metabolism is activated, the work of the endocrine glands and the circulatory system improves, the amount of hemoglobin increases, vitamin D is synthesized in the skin, which is necessary for the full development of teeth, bones and other organs, calcium phosphorus metabolism is normalized, giving strength for long autumn and winter.

  Best time to tan

  The most important thing is to know when you can be in the sun. So the sun is most active from 11 am to 4 pm, and at this time it is desirable not to appear in the sun. After all, sunbathing at this time can instantly burn. And especially if you have light and sensitive skin, then in no case should you sunbathe at this time. Therefore, you need to sunbathe from 9 to 11 in the morning, and in the evening from 16 to 19 hours – this is the most optimal time. But it takes time to tan. But you will have an even tan, and not burnt skin peeling off the fibers, if you begin to sunbathe at the right hours.

  You need to start sunbathing gradually, and not do it in such a way as to get a tan in one day, all day, lying under the sun. First you need to be under the sun for 5-10 minutes, gradually increasing this time by 2-4 minutes more every day. And you can bring this time to 2 hours – this is the maximum time spent under the sun, which is better not to jump over.

  Water treatments

  You can get a tan much faster if you are close to the water, and in particular in it (for example, you have entered waist-deep water). This is due to the property of water to reflect the rays of the sun, and therefore, being in water or very close to water, you experience even more exposure to the sun. Also, if you get out of the water and do not wipe yourself with a towel, you can also burn out faster, because here the water droplets act as lenses, increasing the effect of the sun’s rays. Therefore, at the first time of sunbathing and staying on the beach, it is better not to sunbathe near the water, and also to dry yourself with a towel after swimming, and not to wait until the water dries on you.

  Rules for a beautiful and healthy tan

  — If you are going to sunbathe, do not forget to take a hat and drinking water with you to prevent overheating.

  — To make the tan more beautiful and mobile, it is recommended to move more, play outdoor games. It is also better to tan on a wet body, so after bathing, do not rush to dry yourself, let the sun dry you.

  – If you do get sunburned and feel hot when you get home, immediately use sunburn products that you need to purchase in advance. If nothing special is at hand, then use any moisturizer or baby cream. Kefir, according to the recipe of our grandmothers, does not help much, but, in extreme cases, it will do.

  — It is not recommended to sunbathe immediately after eating, just as you should not do it on an empty stomach.

  – If you have sensitive skin, sunbathe in the shade. About 65% of UV rays will still reach your skin and you will get a soft tan.

  – Intending to go to the beach, do not wash your body with soap, do not use lotions, tonics, colognes, toilet water. Soap destroys the protective coating of the skin and degreases it. Lotion, toilet water make the skin sensitive to ultraviolet rays. As a result, you may experience persistent brown spots, pimples, and itching.

  Some people need to be careful about tanning and avoid it altogether if possible. So it is better to give up sunbathing for people who have skin problems, in particular, the presence of many moles on the body, allergies to the sun’s rays. It is also not recommended for these people to visit solariums. To get a bronze tan (if you really want it), you can use self-tanning. You should also be careful when sunbathing pregnant women, people taking certain medications – they need to consult a doctor, a specialist in advance.

  Use of cream

  It is recommended to use sunscreen. Choose a cream that suits your skin type in advance. Half an hour before sunbathing, apply it evenly on the body. Especially carefully it is recommended to lubricate the parts of the body that burn first – this is the nose, forehead, chest, shoulders and knees. We should not forget about the neck, armpits, earlobes – they also need to apply cream. For hair, you can use a special oil, and for lips, sunscreen lipstick. A regular cream can protect your skin for 3 hours. But if you also swim, and not just sunbathe, then every four entries into the water you need to renew the protective layer.