Sunburn (Dermatitis Solaris): Symptoms, Complaints, Signs

The following symptoms and complaints may indicate dermatitis solaris (sunburn):

  • Erythema (extensive redness of the skin) strictly limited to the areas of the skin that were exposed to sunlight or the source of radiation (1st-degree burn)
  • Swelling of the affected areas of the skin
  • Itching in the affected skin area
  • Pain in the affected skin area
  • If necessary, blistering (burn 2nd degree) with very strong irradiation of the sunlight or radiation source.

Symptomatology usually occurs within six hours after exposure to radiation and peaks after 12 to 24 hours.

Accompanying symptoms of very extensive sunburn.

  • General feeling of illness
  • Fever
  • Superinfection of the opened blisters – infection with pathogens that graft onto the primary present disease.

Accompanying symptoms of sunburn on the face.

  • Keratitis solaris (sun-related corneal inflammation; UVB radiation: 200-320 nm).
  • Conjunctivitis (conjunctivitis).