Unusually lengthy sunburn.

[thirtyfive]

Hello, I am a female with pale skin, dark hair and freckles.  I have a rather severe sunburn that covers 3/4 of my legs (not so bad on the back of the legs), plus my shoulders.  I normally wouldn't be concerned, but it has been 7 days now and my legs & ankles are still very swollen.  I still feel a constant burning sensation in the worst areas.  The burn is dark red to purplish with white spots.  Today tiny blisters have formed, covering the affected area (none of which are popped or oozing), and it has begun to itch.  I take this as a sign that the burn is healing, and I don't plan to see a doctor.  However, I have noticed swollen lymph nodes in my neck - and that, combined with the persistence of the swelling, has me a little concerned.  I have no fever, and feel generally good aside from the sunburn.  Is there any cause for alarm?  Thanks so much for your help.

[Dr_Aparna]

Hi,
A sunburn is a burn to living tissue such as skin produced by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, commonly from the sun's rays.
Typically there is initial redness, followed by varying degrees of pain, both proportional in severity to the duration and intensity of exposure.
Other symptoms are edema, itching, red and/or peeling skin, rash, nausea and fever. Also, a small amount of heat is given off from the burn caused by the concentration of blood in the healing process, giving a warm feeling to the affected area.
In more serious cases, blistering can occur.The best treatment for most sunburns is time. Given a few weeks, they will heal; however, there are a number of treatments that help manage the discomfort or facilitate the healing process. Blistered skin, with or without open sores, should heal on its own.
The skin can be hydrated by applying topical products containing Aloe vera and/or vitamin E, which reduce inflammation.
Hydrocortisone cream may also help reduce inflammation and itching.When treating open sores caused by a sunburn, like any other open skin wound, it is best to avoid lotions or other directly-applied ointments. However, antibacterial solutions and gauze can prevent skin infections.
ref:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunburn
I don't think there is cause for alarm. However if they get infected or fever/pain develops/intensifies. show yourself to a doctor.
Do not try and pop any of the blisters.The burn continues to develop for 24 to 72 hours occasionally followed by peeling skin in 3 to 8 days. Some peeling and itching may continue for several weeks.
You can take an anti-histamone for the itching.