The depth of a burn determines its severity. Very shallow, superficial burns cause only reddening while deeper burns may produce blistering, or destruction through the entire layer of skin down to the subcutaneous tissue. Sunburn can produce severe blistering and toxic symptoms. This individual has developed blistering following excessive sun exposure. Individuals with brown eyes and a darker completion are able to tolerate more sun exposure with less damage.
Malignant melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer.
Melanomas beneath the fingernail appear as a black or bluish black discoloration. Increased risk for skin cancer, especially melanoma, is associated with chronic exposure to sunlight, blistering sunburns, and a family history of skin cancer. Malignant melanoma is the most dangerous type of the skin cancers. Typical features of melanomas include irregular borders, multiple colors within the lesion, rapid growth, and susceptibility to easy injury with bleeding. Any mole that exhibits any of these changes should be evaluated immediately by your physician.