How to Know if You Need a Doctor for Your Sunburn

How to Know What Type of Sunburn You Have

Nothing brings an afternoon in the sun down quite like the sting of a sunburn; sometimes even the most rigorous protection routine isn’t enough.

If the worst happens and your skin starts turning that familiar shade of red, it’s important to know what your symptoms mean and, more importantly, when you should see a doctor.

First-Degree Sunburns

First-degree sunburns are the most common type of sunburn. Although they can cause long-term damage, they are generally mild in severity and only affect the outermost layer of the skin.

If you’ve ever spent too much time in the sun without proper protection, this is likely the type you’ve experienced.

Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Pain or tenderness
• Swelling
• Skin peeling

What are your treatment options?

First-degree sunburns can be treated at home and rarely require a trip to the doctor. Apply ice or cold water to the damaged skin to ease swelling. Lotions (especially those containing aloe vera) can be used to aid the healing process, and over-the-counter medicines (such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen) can help manage the pain.

Second-Degree Sunburns

Affecting both the outer and underlying layer of skin, second-degree sunburns are a bit more severe. They are characterized by blistering and a deep red color, and they can be quite painful. Symptoms of heat-related illness, such as high fever, vomiting, dizziness, chills or nausea, can sometimes accompany this type of sunburn.

Other symptoms include:

• Wet or shiny looking skin
• White discoloration in the burn area

What are your treatment options?

While it may take several weeks for a second-degree burn to heal, treatment is very similar to first-degree sunburns and includes ice, ointments and over-the-counter pain medicines.

Depending on the severity of your condition, however, you may need to see your primary care provider for more specialized attention.

Third-Degree Sunburns

Third-degree sunburns are rare and involve severe damage of the skin and underlying tissue. Sun exposure rarely causes third-degree burns. More often, they result from contact with hot liquids or objects, fire, electricity or radiation.

Still, it’s important to understand the potential symptoms of this type of burn:

• Leathery-looking skin
• Numbness (due to nerve damage)
• Black, yellow or white coloring

What are your treatment options?

Third-degree burns cannot be treated using at-home remedies; they require emergency medical attention. A health care provider may clean the burn, bandage it, provide antibiotic treatment and help you manage the pain.

Depending on the extent of damage, you may also need to undergo reconstructive procedures to repair the damaged area.

When to See a Doctor

While most sunburns can be treated at home, the severity of your symptoms may require a visit to your primary care provider.

Consider giving your doctor a call if your sunburn is accompanied by any of the following:

• Symptoms of heat-related illness, such as high fever, vomiting, dizziness, chills or nausea
• Signs of an infection, like the appearance of pus or blisters that become yellow or red
• Symptoms that worsen despite at-home care

Serious, untreated sunburns can cause further damage down the road, so it’s important to seek the right medical care if you notice any concerning signs.