yours is a typical case of Sun Burns.
Yes sun burns can be second degree if sufficient sun exposure and damage occurs.Secomd degree burns are generally associated with
blister formation.
Most of the sunburns are superficial and hence very painful. There can be swelling in and around burn areas due to inflammatory reaction.
When these burns heal there is severe dryness, itching and skin discolouration in these areas. These generally settle down of a period of few days to weeks depending upon depthe of burns.
In your case you need to apply generous amount of skin emmolients and oils or
cold creame to avoid dryness.Dryness aggravates itching and once you strat itching it produces scratches which further damages the burnt area and some times can cause secondary infection in scratched area. Hence you can take non-sedative anti-itching medicine tablets e.g. Loretidine. You can also add
Betamethasone ointment in your massaging creams.
Regarding skin discolouration it will gradually come back in few days or few weeks depending upon your skin type. Avoid sun exposure to the affected areas til complete return of original cover.
Last but not the least dont Panic as chances of complete recovery are very high though it may take some time.
Regards
Dr.Rajesh Kaushash
Cosmetic and Plastic Surgeon