The peak reaction of redness, pain, and swelling does not occur for 24 hours. Minor sunburn is a first-degree burn that turns the skin pink or red. Prolonged sun exposure can cause blistering and a second-degree burn. Repeated sunburns increase the risk of skin cancer in the damaged area. Each blistering sunburn doubles the risk of developing malignant melanoma, which is the most serious type of skin cancer.
HOME CARE Treat the symptoms.
The sensation of pain and heat will probably last for 48 hours. For broken blisters, trim off the dead skin with fine scissors and apply an antibiotic ointment. Taking cool baths or applying cool, wet compresses to sunburned areas several times a day also helps relieve pain and burning. Adding 2 oz of baking soda to a tubful of water may help. Showers usually cause too much pain to be helpful.