Most people know the telltale signs of a sunburn– red, tender skin that feels hot to the touch and may peel after a few days. But when a sunburn leads to more serious symptoms, like fever and chills, it can be concerning. You might wonder if your sunburn is causing something more serious or if you’re coming down with an unrelated illness. In this blog, we’ll explore why you can feel sick after getting burnt and when it might be necessary to seek professional care.
For same-day sunburn and heat-related illness treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Denver Cherry Creek. Our center is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care to all patients and families in the Denver, CO area. Walk in or pre-register below!
What is Sun Poisoning?
The truth is yes, a sunburn can cause fever and chills, especially when it’s severe. These symptoms are part of your body’s inflammatory response and can be a sign of what’s often referred to as sun poisoning. Sun poisoning is not a medical diagnosis, but rather a term used to describe a severe sunburn accompanied by systemic symptoms. When your skin is significantly damaged by UV rays, your body goes into overdrive to heal the tissue. This intense inflammatory reaction can affect more than just your skin and lead to whole-body symptoms, including:
- Fever
- Chills or shivering
- Headache
- Fatigue or weakness
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Nausea and vomiting
In some cases, blisters may form on the skin, and dehydration may set in due to prolonged sun exposure.
Why Do Fever and Chills Happen After a Sunburn?
When your skin burns, your body launches an immune response similar to what happens during an infection. The brain’s temperature regulation center may raise your core body temperature as a protective mechanism, resulting in fever. Chills or shivering often accompany fever as your body tries to reach and maintain that higher temperature.
In addition, fluid loss through sweating and heat exposure can contribute to dehydration and heat-related illness. These complications can make symptoms like dizziness, nausea, and fatigue worse.
When To Seek Medical Care
Not every sunburn requires professional treatment, but fever and chills are signs that your sunburn may be severe. You should visit an urgent care center if:
- You fever exceed 101 degrees Fahrenheit
- You develop blisters over a large area of your body
- You are vomiting or unable to stay hydrated
- The burned area shows signs of infection
Prompt treatment can relieve symptoms and prevent complications such as heat exhaustion, heat stroke, or secondary infections. To reduce your skin of future sunburn and sun-related illness, be sure to use SPF 30+, reapply sunblock, wear protective clothing, limit sun exposure during peak hours, and stay hydrated.
Get Walk-In Sunburn & Heat-Related Illness Treatment at AFC Urgent Care Denver Cherry Creek
Fever and chills after sunburn can be alarming, but they’re not uncommon– especially after prolonged sun exposure or when the burn is extensive. These symptoms signal that your body is under stress and needs care. If your sunburn is causing systemic symptoms or interfering with your daily life, don’t hesitate to visit us at AFC Urgent Care Denver Cherry Creek. Early treatment can ease your discomfort, prevent complications, and help you recover more quickly so you can safely enjoy the sun again. We accept most health insurance plans and offer low-cost options for self-paying patients. If you have any additional questions about the services we provide, please contact our team directly at (303) 692-8000.
