Buzz
Sunburns can be quite severe, but generally, we know how to handle them at home: Apply cool compresses, use aloe vera gel, and stay hydrated. However, there are situations where a sunburn might actually need medical attention, even if it seems like one of those conditions that doesn’t justify a doctor’s visit. Here’s how to figure out if your sunburn should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
You're Experiencing Flu-Like Symptoms
If your sunburn is accompanied by a high fever, headache, severe pain, dehydration, confusion, nausea, or chills, it's time to see a doctor, according to the Mayo Clinic. As stated by Healthline, these signs point to “sun poisoning,” which is real and can be quite serious.
Healthline highlights that several factors can increase the likelihood of experiencing sun poisoning. These include having fair skin, taking antibiotics, using oral contraceptives, consuming certain herbal supplements (like St. John’s wort), applying citrus oil to your skin before sun exposure, or living near the equator or at high altitudes. If you've recently relocated or were unaware that certain medications or a recent chemical peel could elevate your risk, sun poisoning might occur without you even realizing it.
It's essential to remain mindful of dehydration in this situation. Ensure you're staying hydrated, and don't hesitate to seek medical advice if needed.
The sunburn is severe, with large blisters
Dr. Maral Skelsey, a dermatologist, informed Mytour that a burn can be classified as severe if it involves "extensive blistering over 10% of the body’s surface area."
She concluded with this: "If there are symptoms like fever, a rapid heartbeat, signs of dehydration such as reduced urine output or delayed capillary refill, and over 10% of the body’s surface area is affected, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention."
Mayo Clinic also says you should also see a doctor if your sunburn is “severe,” has blisters, and covers a large portion of your body. Let’s talk about what “severe” means and why it’s important to identify if your sunburn is.
Per Johns Hopkins, “Severe sunburns may cause a person to become dehydrated and even go into shock. This is characterized by fainting, low blood pressure, and profound weakness. Immediate medical attention is necessary if this happens.”
Johns Hopkins also notes that pain is usually at its worst point by six to 48 hours after the burn takes place, so be alert if your pain lasts longer than that.
You have signs of a skin infection
If you see swelling, pus, or red streaks leading from your blisters, you might have a skin infection and should immediately consult a doctor, according to the Mayo Clinic. You could be prescribed a round of antibiotics. If there is no infection present, you may still be recommended a corticosteroid cream or a short course of prednisone.
Skelsey explained that besides the possibility of being given steroids, antibiotics, and pain relievers, doctors might also recommend specialized wound dressings and a consistent daily routine for caring for the wound.
The important part is recognizing when a sunburn shifts from being a bothersome irritation to a more serious problem. Of course, applying sunscreen and wearing protective layers every time you're out in the sun can help prevent this issue from occurring in the first place.
