A sunburn is the skin’s acute inflammatory reaction to excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, primarily from the sun. This intense exposure damages the DNA within skin cells, which the body immediately attempts to repair. If you observe a dark, purplish hue instead of the expected bright red color, it signals that the damage is more extensive than a typical superficial burn. This discoloration indicates a severe reaction that requires careful attention and management.
Why Sunburns Are Usually Red
The familiar bright red appearance of a typical sunburn, medically termed erythema, results from the body’s initial inflammatory defense mechanism. When UV rays damage the upper layers of the skin, immune cells release chemical messengers, such as histamine and prostaglandins, at the site of injury. These compounds trigger vasodilation, which is the widening of blood vessels in the affected area. This increased blood flow rushes immune components and oxygen to the damaged tissue, creating the redness and warmth. This reaction peaks between 12 and 24 hours after sun exposure and is usually classified as a first-degree burn, affecting only the outermost layer of the skin.
Causes of Purple Discoloration
A purple or deep maroon color moves beyond the standard inflammatory response, signaling a burn that has reached deeper layers of the skin. This discoloration is often a sign of a severe, second-degree sunburn where the damage extends into the dermis. The intense UV exposure can compromise the structural integrity of the small capillaries beneath the skin’s surface.
This severe damage causes capillary leakage, where red blood cells seep out of the ruptured vessels and into the surrounding tissue, similar to a deep bruise, or hematoma. The resulting pooling of deoxygenated blood and cellular debris beneath the epidermis contributes to the dark, bluish-purple appearance. This is a form of purpura, or bleeding under the skin, which is visually different from the uniform pink-red color caused solely by widened blood vessels. The visual effect is further compounded by the presence of melanin. In individuals with higher concentrations of melanin, the deep red of severe inflammation interacts with the underlying brown pigment, muting the bright red. This makes the burn appear darker and more likely to present as a deep, dusky purple or dark violet shade.
Immediate Home Care for Severe Sunburn
The first priority for a severely discolored sunburn is to rapidly cool the skin to halt the progression of thermal damage. Taking a cool shower or bath, or applying cool, damp compresses to the area, provides immediate relief and reduces swelling. Avoid using ice directly on the skin or heavily chlorinated water, as this can cause further irritation or tissue injury.
A severe burn draws fluid to the skin’s surface, making internal hydration crucial. Drink extra water for at least 48 hours to help prevent dehydration, which can manifest as fatigue or dizziness. For topical treatment, apply a soothing agent like aloe vera or a lotion containing soy, which helps to calm the inflamed tissue. Avoid thick, oil-based products, such as petroleum jelly, on fresh burns, as they can trap heat and worsen the injury.
Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, can be taken immediately to help manage pain and reduce the inflammatory reaction. If blistering occurs, do not rupture them, as the blister roof acts as a natural protective barrier against infection. Keep the area clean and loosely covered, and allow the blisters to heal on their own.
Warning Signs Requiring Medical Attention
The presence of a purple hue already suggests a high level of severity, but certain accompanying symptoms indicate the need for prompt medical evaluation. Systemic signs, meaning those affecting the entire body, include a high fever, often over 102 degrees Fahrenheit, or the onset of chills. Signs of severe dehydration, such as intense thirst, reduced urination, or dizziness and faintness, also warrant professional care.
Localized symptoms suggesting a complication are important to watch for in a severe burn. Seek medical help if you develop widespread blistering across a large area of the body, particularly on the face, hands, or genitals. Indicators of a developing infection, such as pus draining from a blister, red streaking leading away from the burn site, or increasing swelling and tenderness after the first few days, require immediate intervention.