Sunburn
When To See a Doctor
You have answered Yes to:
Do you have a fever and other symptoms?
See significance of a fever if you need information to help you answer the questions below.
Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.
Note:
- If you have symptoms of heat exhaustion, go to the topic Heat-Related Illnesses to evaluate your symptoms.
- If you need information on how to take a temperature, see the topic Body Temperature.
Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Do you have signs of moderate dehydration?
Yes Do you have severe pain?
Yes Do you have a severe headache?
Yes Do you have severe fatigue?
Yes Are you nauseated or vomiting and unable to drink any fluids?
Yes Do you have a severe skin reaction or blisters?
Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to the following question.
Yes Do you feel dizzy even after getting out of the sun?
You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to the following question.
Yes Do you have a fever that has not come down after 24 hours of home treatment?
If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS | Last Updated: December 28, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology | |
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