Leaving a severe sunburn untreated could lead to dehydration and heat-related illness.
With residents and holidaymakers in the Northern Hemisphere often enjoying summer outdoors, it is important to recognize the signs of a severe sunburn, and to know when to seek medical care.
Most of the time we are worried about the long-term effects of sunburn such as skin cancer development, that is, basal cell and squamous cell from accumulative UVA exposure and melanoma from acute burns/UVB exposure. However, there are health impacting consequences even immediately after the acute sunburn.
You don’t need to see your healthcare provider for every sunburn. A small patch of first-degree sunburn – the least severe type – does not typically cause serious health issues. However, as your skin continues to react to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, you may develop concerning symptoms. Getting medical care when needed can prevent some of those serious conditions from developing.
Sunburns are similar to thermal burns – the kind caused by touching hot surfaces, liquids, steam, or flames. Although they don’t go as deep as thermal burns, they are more damaging to a person’s DNA.
Consult a healthcare provider for the following
- Having a first-degree burn all over the body, which increases the risk of developing a heat-related illness;
- A large area of blistered skin, which increases the risk of infection;
- Symptoms of sickness or dehydration, such as fever, chills or faintness.
Blistering skin means there’s more damage in the deeper layers of your skin. You’re more likely to dehydrate, become feverish, and develop inflammation. That’s when you need to seek medical care.
A second-degree sunburn can also cause health issues, including dehydration, sun poisoning, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and infection.
Dehydration
Badly burned skin no longer holds moisture in your body, so you may dehydrate. Signs that you’re severely dehydrated could include dry mouth or thirst; inability to urinate or dark-colored urine; constipation; disorientation or confusion; dizziness, especially when rising to stand; exhaustion; and headache or confusion.
Sun poisoning
Sun poisoning is almost like an allergic reaction to a sunburn. Essentially, the extreme exposure to UV radiation causes skin inflammation. The main difference between sun poisoning and a typical sunburn is the additional symptoms an individual may develop with sun poisoning, including a burning sensation; chills; extreme thirst; itchiness; nausea or a rash.
Heat exhaustion
A person does not need to be in extreme heat to develop heat exhaustion. Severe sunburn causes a loss of body fluids that can lower blood pressure and blood volume. The first symptom is fatigue. In addition to feeling tired, a person may also experience dizziness, intense thirst, feeling faint, fever, headache; or sweating heavily.
Heatstroke
Heatstroke happens when the body can no longer control its temperature, as the condition can cause permanent disability or even death if not treated quickly. It typically begins as heat exhaustion, but the symptoms rapidly worsen and may include extreme sweating or hot, dry skin (if dehydrated); loss of consciousness; mental impairments such as confusion and slurred speech; seizures; or very high body temperature (over 40 degrees Celsius).
Infection
The danger of developing an infection is typically greater a few days after the burn, when the blisters are breaking and there are exposed lower layers of skin. Telltale signs of infection can include an increase in redness, pain, and swelling; a severe fever; or a covering of pus or crust over the open site.
Why it’s important to seek medical care for a sunburn
Do not ignore the early signs of dangerous sunburn. See your provider if you have any signs of dehydration, sun poisoning, heat exhaustion, or heatstroke. The symptoms of these health conditions go far beyond sunburn discomfort, can last much longer, and may even cause lasting damage.
When your sunburn is serious, your skin is no longer a strong protective barrier for your body. You might develop symptoms of heat-induced trauma, such as dehydration, low blood pressure, and shock. But it all starts with the sunburn, and shade alone is not a reliable way to prevent overexposure to the sun. Be sure to take preventative steps such as wearing sun protective clothing, hats, and sunblock.
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When Should You Seek Medical Care for Sunburns? 5 Health Issues Causes by Sunburn was last modified: March 27th, 2025 by
