J Wound Manag Res.  2019 Sep;15(2):113-116. 10.22467/jwmr.2019.00717.

Sunburn Deteriorated to a Deep Second-Degree Wound in a Healthy Young Female without Risk Factors

• Yoon HS
• Na YC

• KMID: 2465854
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.22467/jwmr.2019.00717

Abstract

Sunburn is the transient inflammatory response of skin caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR). The rate of disease progression varies because each individual has different levels of sunburn susceptibility, resulting in different clinical courses. We report a case that deteriorated to a deep second-degree sunburn in a patient without risk factors. A 25-year-old woman with no underlying diseases visited our hospital with sunburn on both knees. She had worn black skinny jeans while watching soccer outdoors at around 2 PM for about an hour in typical early summer weather. Because of the young age of the patient, for aesthetical reasons, we performed a flap operation instead of a skin graft. The patient recovered without complications. The patient's primary tissue injury was due to repetitive friction from the skinny jeans, with the UVR inducing a second-degree wound complication. Even though our patient lacked risk factors and had a common skin type, she suffered from sunburn in cloudy weather of early summer. This indicates sunburn and its initial treatment requires more attention than generally perceived. Prevention is particularly important, including staying out of the sun, wearing protective and well-ventilated clothing, avoiding tight clothing, and using sunscreen.

Keyword

Sunburn; Risk factor; Disease susceptibility; Ultraviolet rays; Friction

MeSH Terms

Adult
Clothing
Disease Progression
Disease Susceptibility
Female*
Friction
Humans
Knee
Risk Factors*
Skin
Soccer
Solar System
Sunburn*
Transplants
Ultraviolet Rays
Weather
Wounds and Injuries*