Effective sunscreens are available in a wide variety of strengths. Treatment of sunburn is symptomatic , and prevention remains the key to avoiding the painful consequences of overexposure to the sun. For first-degree burns , a prescription corticosteroid lotion may be prescribed. 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.