Why is sunburned skin hot to the touch?

Question

My wife got sun-burned on her arm and it is physically hotter than skin directly next to the sunburn. Why is this? Explain like I’m five!

In: Biology

Answer 1

Short version, UV radiation from the sun damages your skin cells, and in response to the damage the skin has an inflammatory reaction and swells. The body increases bloodflow to the area to try and fix it, and the swelling + more blood is what feels warm.