Second-Degree Sunburn: What Is it and How to Avoid It

Almost everyone knows how a mild sunburn feels. The skin feels hot to the touch, it stings a little and there may be mild redness. This is the classic scenario of a first-degree sunburn.

A second-degree sunburn is far more painful and can have deadly consequences. Not only does a second-degree sunburn cause damage in the deeper layers of the skin, it can also increase your risk of melanoma, the most dangerous and serious form of skin cancer.

It probably goes without saying that you want to avoid second-degree sunburns at all costs. With that in mind, here are three things you need to know about second-degree sunburns:

1. Second-degree sunburns cause damage to the outer and second layer of the skin.
2. Severe sunburns have been linked to an increase risk of melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancers.
3. Wearing daily sunscreen and staying indoors when UV rays are at their strongest can help you avoid getting a second-degree sunburn.

What Is a Second-Degree Sunburn?

Sunburns can be classified as first-, second- or third-degree burns. First-degree burns are what most people experience after forgetting to re-apply their sunscreen every so often. This type affects the outer layer of the skin, known as the epidermis.

A second-degree sunburn happens when damage occurs not only in the outer layer of the skin, but also the dermis layer of the skin. Common symptoms of a second-degree sunburn include the following:

• Moderate redness
• Swelling
• Blistering skin
• Pain
• Headache
• Fatigue

If the affected area is large, a second-degree sunburn may require immediate medical attention. Seek a doctor immediately if your sunburn is accompanied by dizziness, vomiting or fever, which are all signs of severe sun poisoning.

There are also third-degree burns, which affect the epidermis, dermis and the deeper tissue underneath. Although this type of sunburn is rare, it often requires immediate medical attention.

Second-Degree Sunburn: Who Is at Risk?

Although anyone can get a second-degree sunburn, some groups are at a higher risk than others. According to a recent study published in JAMA Dermatology, sunburns were most common in younger age groups, non-Hispanic white individuals and people with sun-sensitive skin (see claim: “Sunburn prevalence was higher among younger age groups…non-Hispanic white individuals (42.5%; 95% CI, 41.2%-43.9%), and those with sun-sensitive skin (50.2%).”)

To make matters worse, second-degree burns come with an increased risk of developing skin cancer. In a 2016 study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, researchers found that a history of severe sunburns was more associated with a risk of melanoma than nonmelanoma skin cancers in men (see claim: “…overall baseline history of severe sunburn was more apparently associated with risk of melanoma than with risk of SCC and BCC in men…”)

Tips for Avoiding Second-Degree Sunburns

While second-degree sunburns may seem temporary, the damage to your skin cells is permanent. To reduce the likelihood of developing sun-damaged skin and, consequently, skin cancer, here are five tips for avoiding second-degree sunburns.

1. Make Sunscreen a Daily Habit: The best way to never forget sunscreen is to make it a habit. Every morning, apply a daily moisturizer with SPF on your face to ensure that your skin is always protected from UV rays.
2. Wear UPF Clothing: Although your face may be protected with an SPF moisturizer, the sun’s UV rays can penetrate through clothing. If you plan to spend long hours in the sun, consider wearing UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) clothing for added protection.
3. Don’t Nap in the Sun: Feeling sleepy on the beach? Get off your beach towel and seek shade immediately. Far too many individuals have suffered second-degree burns by falling asleep in the sun.
4. Check the UV Index: If you’re scheduling a whitewater rafting trip or beach vacation, check the UV index for your local region first. This measures the strength of the sun’s ultraviolet rays. If the strength is on the high end of the index, schedule your trip for another day.
5. Know Your Risk: Some medications, medical conditions and skin care products can increase your sensitivity to the sun. Doing a little digging into your products and medications can help you play it safe the next time you’re in the sun.

Summing It All Up

Second-degree sunburns can range from a relatively tolerable sunburn to an agonizingly painful sunburn that makes you feel nauseous. As if the pain alone weren’t a good enough reason to avoid getting a second-degree burn, their strong association with melanoma should be all the reason you need to take sun safety seriously.