Sunburn treatment Do I need medical attention - Mayo Clinic
COVID-19 Advice updates and vaccine options
Find out about COVID-19, COVID-19 vaccines, and Mayo Clinic patient and visitor updates. Skip to site navigation Skip to Content This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Appointments at Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations. Request Appointment Sunburn treatment Do I need medical attention
Products and services When might sunburn require medical attention
Answer From Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D. Consult a doctor for sunburn treatment if: The sunburn is severe - with blisters - and covers a large portion of your body The sunburn is accompanied by a high fever, headache, severe pain, dehydration, confusion, nausea or chills You've developed a skin infection, indicated by swelling, pus or red streaks leading from the blister Your sunburn doesn't respond to at-home care Your doctor might suggest a corticosteroid cream for your sunburn, or a short course of prednisone for severe cases involving large areas of your body. Antibiotics are most often not required unless you develop an infection. With Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D. Does sunscreen expire? ShareTweet Nov. 05, 2021 Show references AskMayoExpert. Sunburn. Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2012. Piazza GM, et al., eds. Effects of heat and cold. In: ACEP First Aid Manual. 5th ed. London, England; New York, N.Y.: DK Publishing; 2014. Sunscreens. American Academy of Dermatology. http://www.aad.org/media-resources/stats-and-facts/prevention-and-care/sunscreens#.UbdQaJzm9lP. Accessed Dec. 30, 2015. Young AR, et al. Sunburn. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Dec. 30, 2015. See more Expert Answers Products and Services
Book: Mayo Clinic Book of Home RemediesSun Protection Products from Mayo Clinic StoreBook: Mayo Clinic Guide to Raising a Healthy ChildGive today to find cancer cures for tomorrow See also
Base tan? Bad ideaBlisters: First aidDoes sunscreen expire?FatigueHeadachePeeling skinPrednisone risks, benefitsPrednisone withdrawal: Why taper down slowly?Sun damageSunburnSunburnTaking care of a blister? Here's howIntegrative approaches to treating painNutrition and painPain rehabilitationSelf-care approaches to treating painTravel SafetyShow more related content Advertisement
Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Advertising & Sponsorship Policy Opportunities Ad Choices Mayo Clinic Press
Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on IncontinenceNEW – The Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic PressNEW – The Essential Diabetes BookNEW – Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic PressNEW – Mayo Clinic on Hearing and BalanceFREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic PressFREE Mayo Clinic Diet AssessmentMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book Other Topics in Patient Care & Health Info
Diseases & Conditions A-Z Symptoms A-Z Tests & Procedures A-Z Drugs & Supplements A-Z Health Books Healthy Living Program Mayo Clinic Health Letter Mayo Clinic Voice Apps . FAQ-20057815 Home Sunburn treatment Do I need medical attention Mayo Clinic Footer
Legal Conditions and Terms
Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Terms and Conditions Privacy Policy Notice of Privacy Practices Notice of Nondiscrimination Manage Cookies Advertising
Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization and proceeds from Web advertising help support our mission. Mayo Clinic does not endorse any of the third party products and services advertised.Advertising and sponsorship policyAdvertising and sponsorship opportunities Reprint Permissions
A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. 1998-2022 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved.