A sunburn is just like any other burn, there are different levels of severity for it. Below we’ll examine the three degrees of sunburn, what qualifies as each degree, and how your skin type might impact which degree of sunburn you are prone to after exposure.
1st-degree Sunburn:
This is pretty typical. It is pink or red, painful and goes away within a week or so. Most people have experienced this at some point.
2nd-degree Sunburn:
This type is also fairly common. It is very red, very painful, and little blisters form on top of sunburn. It probably itches really bad. This takes much longer to heal because deep skin layers have been damaged. Do not pop the blisters as that could lead to infections later.
3rd-degree Sunburn:
This is not so common. The skin may turn bright red and purplish with lots of blisters and waxy white areas. Many deep skin layers and maybe nerve endings have been damaged. It will be excruciatingly painful. This is also accompanied by fever, nausea, headache, and dehydration. If this occurs, you should see a doctor immediately.
Fun Fact: What do humans, pigs, horses, and walruses all have in common? They may burn with too much sun exposure!
Are Some People More Prone to Sunburn?
The Sun does not believe in equality, meaning that different skin types react differently to sun exposure, meaning that your sunburn might be different from somebody else’s even with the same exposure.
Depending on your skin type, you are more susceptible to burning. Some people cannot achieve that golden glow and end up red and peeling whenever they try. Others do not burn no matter how often they forget their sunscreen. Everyone’s skin is just a little different but most can fit into one of these categories determined by the amount of melanin pigment in the skin:
Fitzpatrick Skin Phototypes:
- Type I: Pale white skin, blue/green eyes, red hair. Burns easily, cannot tan.
- Type II: Fair skin, blue eyes. Burns easily, tans with difficulty.
- Type III: Darker white skin. Tans easily after the initial burn.
- Type IV: Light brown/olive skin. Usually does not burn, tans easily.
- Type V: Brown skin. Rarely burns, tans darkly easily.
- Type VI: Dark brown or black skin. Never burns, always tans very dark.
People with types I, II, and III are much more susceptible to burning and should take extra care to cover up when going outside. However, all types should apply sunscreen regularly to prevent sun damage. Another thing to remember is that genetic conditions or medications may increase skin sensitivity to the UV rays and burning.
Speak to a Dermatologist About Your Sunburn Today
If you’ve experienced a severe sunburn and need help treating it, or have experienced severe sunburns before and cause for concern of skin cancer or other complications, it is best to speak with a dermatologist. Reach out to the team at Affiliated Dermatology today to get an appointment on the books with one of our experienced dermatologists.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment at one of our locations through Arizona.
