Anatomy Case

A Case of Sunburn

On the first day after arriving in Miami for spring break vacation, Matt plays out in the sun for six hours. Later that night he notices that the skin on his legs and arms becomes red, swollen and extremely painful. By morning all of the afflicted areas have developed numerous blisters. These areas cover about 30% of his trunk (front and back) and 40% of the arms and legs.

1. What organ has been damaged? What general types of tissue have been afflicted?
2. What type of burn has Matt received? Explain.
3. List ALL layers of the skin that have been damaged.
4. What tissue repair process causes the blistering?
5. List all of the body functions that may be disrupted by such a burn.

After a few days his skin peels and the burned areas begin to heal. Matt notices that the healing areas are more susceptible to injuries due to chafing or trauma. During the next week after Matt returns to Tampa, Maria tells him that a sunburn prepares his skin for a deep tan. Maria encourages him to quickly begin tanning sessions at a local tanning salon before the effects of the burn wear off.

1. What has happened to the skin that would cause this increased susceptibility?
2. What would you advise him to do? Why?
3. Is a deep tan a sign of skin that is healthy or severely stressed? Explain.