I got a really bad sunburn, and now I am seeing bumps and
weird dots on my sunburn. They hurt, and I'm scared that I seriously damaged my
skin. I don't know much about skin cancer, but is there any way I could have
gotten it from sunburn?
If the bumps on your sunburn are blisters, you may have
second-degree sunburn, which is deeper than regular, first-degree sunburns and
can take longer to heal. The blisters may be painful, but they should heal
along with the rest of your skin. Though it may be tempting, don’t pop them—it
can lead to infection. Using an aloe gel and taking ibuprofen will reduce your
skin’s swelling and pain.
Scaly patches of sunburn, though, could be early signs of
various forms of skin cancer. If the bumps on your skin are on your face, neck
or hands or if any of the bumps are flaky, you should see a doctor right away.
A doctor will be able to treat your skin before the condition worsens. Small,
red bumps may also be a sign of rosacea, a less-serious, redness-inducing skin
disorder (also treatable by your doc).
Unless you’re positive that the bumps are blisters, your
best bet is to visit the doctor. Only a doc can properly diagnose what’s up
with your skin and help you become healthy and sunburn-free again. Good luck,
girlie!
BY MEGHAN DEMARIA ON 8/17/2011 12:00:00 AM
POSTED IN skin problems, cancer 101, advice, summer