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.
What Are the 3 Degrees of Sunburn?
Just like any thermal burn, sunburns are classified by their severity and how deeply they damage the skin. Here is how to identify and handle each degree of sunburn:
1st-degree Sunburn:
- Damage Level: Superficial; affects only the outer layer of the skin (epidermis).
- Symptoms: Pink or red skin, mild to moderate pain, and warmth to the touch.
- Healing Time: Typically resolves within a week. Mild peeling may occur as the skin heals.
- Action Required: Treat at home with cool compresses, aloe vera, and plenty of hydration.
2nd-degree Sunburn:
- Damage Level: Deep; penetrates the epidermis and damages the deeper layer of skin (the dermis).
- Symptoms: Intense redness, extreme pain, swelling, severe itching, and the formation of small blisters.
- Healing Time: Takes several weeks to heal fully due to deep tissue damage.
- Action Required: Keep the area cool and covered. Do not pop the blisters, as this can lead to scarring and bacterial infections. Seek a dermatologist’s advice if blisters cover a large portion of your body.
3rd-degree Sunburn:
- Damage Level: Extremely severe; destroys deep skin layers and can damage underlying nerve endings.
- Symptoms: Skin may turn bright red or purplish, accompanied by waxy white areas and severe blistering. This is often paired with systemic symptoms like fever, nausea, headaches, chills, and dehydration.
- Healing Time: Requires extensive medical recovery time.
- Action Required: Seek emergency medical attention immediately. Do not attempt to treat a 3rd-degree sunburn at home.
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:
The Fitzpatrick Skin Phototypes Explained:
| Fitzpatrick Type | Physical Characteristics | Sun Reaction (Burn/Tan Response) | Sun Protection Recommendation |
| Type I | Pale white skin, blue/green eyes, red or blond hair | Burns very easily, never tans | Extremely high risk. Requires strict sun avoidance, protective clothing, and SPF 50+. |
| Type II | Fair skin, blue or hazel eyes | Burns easily, tans with great difficulty | High risk. Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily and reapply frequently. |
| Type III | Darker white to light olive skin | Burns initially, but tans gradually | Moderate risk. Use SPF 30+ daily and wear a hat during peak sun hours. |
| Type IV | Light brown or olive skin | Burns minimally, tans easily to a moderate brown | Lower risk for burning, but UV damage still occurs. Daily SPF 30+ recommended. |
| Type V | Brown skin | Rarely burns, tans easily and darkly | Low risk for burning, but prone to sun-induced hyperpigmentation. Daily SPF 30+ recommended. |
| Type VI | Dark brown or black skin | Never burns, always tans very dark | Lowest risk for burning, but skin cancer can still occur. Daily SPF 30+ recommended. |
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.
Fun Fact: What do humans, pigs, horses, and walruses all have in common? They may burn with too much sun exposure!
