What happens if sunburn turns purple

She noted a history of mild bruising and bleeding with a resulting unremarkable workup by her primary care physician. The only medication taken was etonogestrel-ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring. The scalp, face, arms, trunk, and legs were examined, and nonpalpable petechial changes were noted on the anterior aspect of the legs Figure 1 , with changes more prominent on the distal aspect of the legs.

Mild superficial epidermal exfoliation was noted on both anterior thighs. The area of the lesions was not warm. The lesions were mildly tender to palpation. The remainder of the physical examination was unremarkable. Figure 1. Idiopathic sunburn purpura at presentation with a petechial rash on the pretibial region of both legs.

Given the timing of onset, preceding sun exposure, and the morphologic characteristics of the lesions, sunburn purpura was suspected. A punch biopsy of the anterior aspect of the left thigh was performed to rule out vasculitis. Microscopic examination revealed reactive epidermal changes with mild vascular ectasia and erythrocyte extravasation not associated with appreciable inflammation or evidence of vascular injury Figure 2.

These biopsy results were consistent with sunburn purpura. Given the patient's normal platelet count, a diagnosis of idiopathic sunburn purpura was made. The patient was informed of the biopsy results and advised that the petechiae should resolve without treatment in 1 to 2 weeks, which occurred.

Figure 2. Sunburn purpura remains a rare phenomenon in which a petechial or purpuric rash develops acutely after intense sun exposure.

We prefer the term sunburn purpura because it reflects the acuity of the phenomenon, as opposed to the previous labels solar purpura or photolocalized purpura , which also could suggest causality from chronic sun exposure. The best way to avoid sunburn or sun poisoning is prevention. When using sunscreen, apply 15 to 30 minutes before sun exposure and every two hours afterward.

If you begin burning or if your skin is red, bumpy, or irritated from exposure, move to a shaded area. Taking good care of your skin can help prevent melanoma and other skin cancers.

When you work with a primary care physician PCP , you develop a lasting relationship. Your doctor will get to know you and your history and can plan your treatments accordingly. Our PCPs offer a variety of services, including preventive care and treatment for both urgent and chronic conditions. Share this on: Almost everyone, regardless of skin color, has experienced the discomfort of sunburn, said Kevin M. Never Miss a Beat! Sunburn should be avoided where possible as it is damaging to the skin, causing premature ageing as well as increasing the risk of skin cancer.

Intense repeated sunburn, especially when young, increases the risk of developing certain types of skin cancers, such as melanoma, in later years. UVB causes the most damage. The intensity of UVB radiation is highest between the hours of 10am and 2pm and peaks at midday, hence avoiding the sun at this time is particularly important. UVB is only partially blocked by clouds, so you can still be burned on a cloudy day. In fact, solariums may emit much higher concentrations of ultraviolet radiation than the sun, and UV exposure from solariums can cause premature ageing of your skin, as well as skin cancer and eye damage.

Exposure to UV radiation from the use of sunbeds, or solariums, significantly increases the risk of melanoma, and their use is not recommended. There are no commercial solariums in the NT. A wide range of medicines can enhance the burning effect of the sun in susceptible people, including some antibiotics, e. Sunburn is better prevented than treated. Sunscreens alone are not per cent effective in preventing sun-related skin damage.

Other essential sun protection includes lip balm with SPF, sunglasses, hats and clothing. Follow these recommended measures to avoid being sunburnt. Avoid sun exposure in the middle of the day. This is when UV radiation is at its most intense and damaging. Seek out shade when you can and try to avoid being outdoors in the middle of the day 11am to 3pm during daylight savings time and 10am to 2pm at other times of the year.

Remember that surfaces such as water, sand, concrete and snow reflect UV rays — you may end up with sunburn even if you have been sitting in the shade. Cover up with sunsafe clothing. These should be made of tightly woven fabrics to offer constant sun protection and cover your neck, arms, and cover your legs to below your knees. Some clothes are available with SPF ratings. Wear a hat. You should always wear a broad-brimmed hat that covers your face, ears and neck when in the sun.

Most schools and daycare centres now insist that students wear hats when outside. Wear sunglasses. These should meet the Australian Standard to protect your eyes from sun damage.

Large close-fitting wrap-around styles offer the best protection because they reduce glare and reflected UV radiation.

Use sunscreen. Pharmacists stock many brands of broad-spectrum sunscreens and Cancer Council shops have a wide range. You can choose between a physical sunscreen, a chemical sunscreen or a hybrid one — see below for the differences between them. Be careful to use enough sunscreen follow instructions and reapply as directed. Wear lip balm with an SPF. Protect your lips with special lip sunscreens.

This will also protect you from the sun reactivating a cold sore on the lips. It is important that you reapply the lip balm frequently, as it tends to be licked off. UV Index Alerts. There is a SunSmart app available as a smartphone app or on the SunSmart website as a free widget that gives the UV Index for different locations in Australia, as well as live UV readings for some locations and UV alerts.

The app provides guidelines for when sun protection is necessary and has reminder alerts to reapply sunscreen. Australian experts recommend sun protection for levels of 3 and higher on the UV index.

That means that sun protection is needed every day, all year round in most parts of Australia. Sunscreens will only give the claimed level of protection if they are applied generously. In Australia, sunscreens are measured using the SPF rating system, which is always listed on the label.

The product label must also indicate if the product is water resistant — and for how long. Many products are water resistant for 2 hours — the maximum water resistance claim allowed is 4 hours. Chemical sunscreens absorb the harmful ultraviolet light to protect the skin against sunburn.

Because different chemicals have varying profiles of UVA and UVB absorption, a combination of chemicals is usually used in sunscreens.