Is sunburn a permanent injury? Is the pigmentation after sunburn permanent?

Many people will get sunburned in the summer. Once sunburned, if it is not treated properly, it will cause great damage to the skin. Ultraviolet rays will not only cause sun spots on the skin, it will also make our skin very sensitive. So, is sunburn a permanent injury?

Is sunburn a permanent injury?

It is usually not permanent. For example, when the skin is exposed to ultraviolet rays, melanin will be deposited, making our skin look darker, but in fact, these melanins play a protective role for the skin. If there is no melanin, the skin will be more seriously damaged by ultraviolet rays. But at the same time, these melanins are not permanent. As long as you pay attention to maintenance, these melanins will fade away and the skin will return to its normal skin color.

Of course, if the sunburn is severe and not treated properly, it will cause great damage to the skin. Ultraviolet rays will not only cause sun spots on the skin, it will also cause our skin to become very sensitive, cause fine lines to appear prematurely, and cause premature aging. The more times you get sunburned, the more severe the damage. Normally, human cells can repair themselves after being damaged, but if there is no natural repair or the natural repair ability is weak, if human cells mutate, it is possible to develop skin cancer, which is especially likely to occur in the elderly.

How long does it take for skin to recover after sunburn?

1. If there are only some red spots, it means it is a mild sunburn. This kind of sunburn will take about 7-10 days to recover.

2. However, if edema and blisters appear on the skin, it means moderate sunburn. At this time, it will take about 2-3 weeks for the skin to return to its original state.

3. If the sunburn is severe and there are blisters, pigmentation, peeling and desquamation, the recovery time will be longer and may take several months.

What are the symptoms of sunburn?

The most direct change to the skin after sun exposure is tanning. When the skin turns red after sun exposure, it means it is undergoing the darkening process, so darkening after sun exposure is the most common. In severe cases, the skin will be sunburned, the main manifestations of which are the appearance of distinct erythema and edema on the skin in the sun-exposed areas. In severe cases, blisters and bullae may appear. The blisters contain a yellowish serous fluid and are accompanied by itching, burning or stinging sensations. Subsequently, the erythema becomes darker and desquamated, leaving some pigmentation or loss of pigmentation. Conscious burning or tingling often disturbs sleep. Most cases will recover within 2 to 3 days, while severe cases will recover in about a week. Some patients experience conjunctival hyperemia and eyelid edema. Excessive exposure to sunlight can cause systemic symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, fatigue, nausea and general malaise, and even palpitations, delirium or shock.

How to avoid sunburn

1. Do a good job of sun protection. If you don't want to get sunburned, you must do a good job of sun protection when going out. Sunscreen, sun hats, and parasols are essential, which can greatly reduce the damage of ultraviolet rays to the skin.

2. Don’t go out at noon. Noon is when the sun is at its highest. If you don't want to get sunburned, try not to go out at this time. Also, when you go out, you must avoid places with direct sunlight and try to walk in the shade, which can also reduce the chance of sunburn.