OpenHealth Q&A

Get answered by medical professionals

Bumps Following a Severe Sunburn (Not Blisters)

8/2/2025, 7:01:23 AMMale25-34

Hello everyone, I'm a 20-year-old female, standing at 5'9" and weighing 318 pounds. I'm reaching out for assistance regarding a situation I've encountered post-sunburn. I recently suffered from a burn that was nearly a third-degree on my upper shoulders, upper back, and upper chest. As I heal, I’ve noticed the emergence of red bumps resembling a rash on my skin. However, they're not blisters. Just today, I discovered one, and as time has passed, the condition seems to have worsened. I’m uncertain about what these bumps might be and would appreciate any insights or advice.

Skin AllergiesDermatology

Answers (1)

Cony

8/2/2025, 7:02:05 AM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you’re experiencing a challenging situation with your skin after a severe sunburn. The emergence of red bumps can be a common reaction as your skin heals from the burn, and these could be due to several potential causes, such as irritation, an inflammatory reaction, or even a form of heat rash.

Explanation:

After a sunburn, the skin can react in various ways as it tries to heal. The bumps you are seeing may indicate a few possibilities:

  1. Irritation or Inflammation: Your skin may be inflamed due to the sun exposure and subsequent healing processes.
  2. Heat Rash: If you are sweating or if there's a lot of moisture on your skin, it could lead to this type of skin rash.
  3. Folliculitis: Sometimes, hair follicles can become irritated and inflamed following burns, leading to small bumps.

Next Steps:

  1. Keep the Area Cool and Moisturized: Use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to soothe the affected skin. Aloe vera gel can also help cool the area.
  2. Avoid Irritants: Steer clear of harsh soaps, perfumes, or any products that can further irritate your skin.
  3. Wear Loose Clothing: Opt for soft, loose-fitting clothing to prevent further irritation from friction against the skin.
  4. Monitor the Symptoms: If the bumps get worse, spread, or if you notice other symptoms (like fever or increased pain), this might need further attention.
  5. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to support your skin’s healing process from the inside out.

If the condition does not improve in a few days or worsens, consider reaching out for further evaluation to ensure proper care. Remember, while many post-sunburn symptoms are manageable at home, it’s essential to keep an eye on any significant changes.

Related Questions

Rash on the Dorsal Side of My Hands

A 24-year-old male, standing 5'3" and weighing 125 pounds, is not currently taking any medications. While I do not smoke, I am often exposed to secondhand smoke from those around me, and I have recently spent time in an environment where a significant amount of unpleasant smoke is produced due to casting activities. For approximately three weeks, I have been experiencing a rash on the backs of both my hands. I initially became aware of it after working on my car's engine. The rash has led to dryness and itching, and I took a photo after my shower today, highlighting the redness that has become particularly noticeable. What are some effective treatments for this condition?

Skin AllergiesAllergy & ImmunologyDermatology
Male25-34
2 hours ago

Understanding Foam in Urine: When is it a Concern?

Age 24, I've observed a notable increase in the amount of foam in my urine over the past couple of years, compared to what I remember from before. About a year ago, I mentioned this to my primary care physician, who seemed somewhat dismissive of my concerns. Nonetheless, they proceeded to conduct a urinalysis, which returned normal results, indicating no elevated protein levels. I frequently undergo blood tests, and both my eGFR and creatinine levels typically fall within the normal range, although I did experience some fluctuations linked to a bout of mononucleosis a couple of years back, where my eGFR dipped near 70; it currently remains above 100. I suspect that changes in my urological function, likely from aging, are contributing to a stronger urine stream now than in my youth. The foam generally settles down after a few minutes, although occasionally it lingers longer than expected. I make a concerted effort to stay hydrated, even though I don’t always succeed, so I wonder if mild dehydration could partially account for the foaming. This concern is particularly relevant as I'm resuming strength training and planning to increase my protein consumption. I want to ensure that my kidneys are not overtaxed due to any potential underlying issues. Additionally, I have a history of taking 5 grams of creatine daily, paired with plenty of water, which makes me cautious about this, too. Is there a point at which foaming in urine is considered excessive, or does a specific threshold exist that I should be aware of?

HivesAllergy & ImmunologyDermatology
Male25-34
3 hours ago

Developing an Itchy Rash Following a Client Visit

A 44-year-old woman, without any significant health issues apart from allergies and not currently taking any medications, encountered an uncomfortable situation after a client visit. While working in social services, she noticed an itchy rash that appeared shortly after leaving the client’s residence. Although she initially suspected a bed bug infestation, no evidence of these pests has been found since her departure. Upon returning home, she took certain precautions but now finds herself uncertain about the source of the rash. She visited multiple clients the previous day, making it difficult to pinpoint when the irritation began. The rash became noticeable yesterday and is indeed bothersome. Currently, she has observed the rash on her back, as well as on her lower thigh, and has noted a few spots on her arm and leg. The situation remains concerning as she seeks to identify the cause of this unexpected skin reaction.

Skin AllergiesAllergy & ImmunologyDermatology
Male25-34
9 hours ago

Managing Allergic Reactions to Bactrim: Should I Wait It Out?

I'm a 31-year-old female residing in the USA. I’ve been experiencing symptoms such as discomfort during urination and pain on one side of my back. After seeking attention at an urgent care center, the medical professionals suspected I might have a urinary tract infection or a kidney infection, with lab results still pending. They prescribed me Bactrim, instructing me to take it twice daily over the course of 14 days. Having taken my first dose roughly an hour ago, I’m now experiencing itching (without any hives) along with some redness and warmth in my face. My breathing feels normal, and I don’t have any additional concerns at this moment. Is it advisable for me to simply pause the medication until I can consult with my doctor tomorrow?

Drug AllergiesAllergy & ImmunologyDermatology
Male25-34
9 hours ago

Should I Visit the Emergency Room After Hitting My Head?

As a 27-year-old woman, I experienced a rather unusual incident yesterday when I was struck on the forehead by two laptops. Although the impact was painful, I did not lose consciousness. I didn’t experience any significant headache afterwards either. This incident occurred around 6:30 PM, and I went to sleep a few hours later, after midnight. Despite the unfortunate event, I haven't noticed any concerning symptoms, aside from a noticeable indentation on my forehead, which I am convinced wasn't there prior to the impact. This dent has become quite apparent to me, although it doesn’t really hurt when I touch it. My husband has suggested that I seek medical attention at the emergency room, but apart from this slight deformity, I feel perfectly okay. There has been no dizziness, no nausea, and no headache—just this peculiar dent. It has now been roughly 20 hours since the incident, and I continue to feel well, though the dent persists. To give a clearer picture: the dent stretches from the upper section of my forehead down to just above my left eyebrow, forming a fairly straight line. Visually, it’s hard to detect; I can only feel it upon touching. Its depth is likely less than a quarter of an inch, probably resulting from the shape of the Chromebook that struck me. Given that I feel fine overall, is a visit to the emergency room necessary?

Allergy & ImmunologyDermatologyPulmonology
Male25-34
11 hours ago