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Sunburn - Check Your Symptoms

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, click on the "Yes" in front of the question for information about how soon to see a health professional.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Step One

Step Two

Step Three

Note: If you have any of the following symptoms, evaluate those symptoms first.

Heat exhaustion: Go to the topic Heat-Related Illnesses.
Hives or other symptoms of an allergic reaction: Go to the topic Allergic Reaction.


	Yes

Do your eyes hurt, or do you have new vision problems?


	Yes

Do you have a fever and other symptoms?


	Yes

Do you have symptoms of mild to moderate dehydration?


	Yes

Do you think you have a skin infection?


	Yes

Do you have pain from a sunburn?


	Yes

Are you taking a medicine that may cause you to sunburn easily?


	Yes

Do you have blisters from a sunburn?


	Yes

Do you have severe pain in one or both of your eyes after being in the sun?


	Yes

Have you had partial or complete vision loss or blurred vision for more than 30 minutes after getting out of the sun?


	Yes

Do you have moderate pain in your eye, such as a scratchy, gritty sensation?


	Yes

Are your eyes sensitive when you look at light (photophobia)?


	Yes

Have you had mild pain in your eyes for 24 hours or longer?

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.


	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?


	Yes

Do you feel dizzy even after getting out of the sun?


	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.


	Yes

Do you have symptoms of moderate dehydration and you are unable to drink enough to replace lost fluids?


	Yes

Does your child have symptoms of moderate dehydration and he or she is unable to drink enough to replace lost fluids?


	Yes

Do you have symptoms of moderate dehydration but you are able to drink enough to replace lost fluids?


	Yes

Does your child have symptoms of moderate dehydration but he or she is able to drink enough to replace lost fluids?


	Yes

Have you had symptoms of mild dehydration for 24 hours or longer?


	Yes

Has your child had symptoms of mild dehydration for 24 hours or longer?

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.


	Yes

Do you have diabetes?


	Yes

Do you have a disease or take medicine that may cause problems with your immune system?


	Yes

Do you have red streaks extending from the sunburned area?


	Yes

Do you have increased pain, swelling, redness, or warmth around the sunburned area?


	Yes

Do you have any blisters draining pus?


	Yes

Do you know or think you have a fever?

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.


	Yes

Do you have severe pain?


	Yes

Do you have moderate pain?


	Yes

Does your child younger than 6 months of age have a sunburn and appear to be in pain?


	Yes

Do you still have mild pain after using home treatment for 24 hours?

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.


	Yes

Are you taking a medicine that may cause you to sunburn easily?Note: If your answer is Yes:Call the doctor who prescribed the medicine before taking your next dose to determine whether you should stop taking the medicine or take a different one. An appointment may not be necessary.If you are taking a medicine that was not prescribed by a doctor (nonprescription), stop taking the medicine. If you feel that you need to continue taking the medicine, call your doctor to discuss it.

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.


	Yes

Are you worried about scarring?

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.

Other Symptoms to Watch For

Note: If you have any of the following symptoms, evaluate those symptoms first.

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: February 22, 2010

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.