Severe sunburns can do more than just cause temporary discomfort. They may signal significant skin damage that requires medical attention. While mild sunburns usually heal independently with rest, hydration, and over-the-counter remedies, more intense burns can lead to symptoms such as blistering, swelling, fever, chills, or dizziness. These warning signs indicate that the body is stressed and may be at risk of complications like infection or heat-related illness.
If you’re sunburnt, AFC Urgent Care Stoneham is available 7 days a week to provide same-day care. Our clinic offers care for minor summer conditions, including sunburns. We’re open 7 days a week from 8am to 8pm! Just walk in, or save your spot online in advance using the button below.
How to Tell If Your Sunburn is Severe
A sunburn is a form of skin damage caused by overexposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. When your skin is exposed to too much UV radiation, it triggers an inflammatory response. This results in redness, pain, warmth, and sometimes swelling or blistering. The severity of a sunburn depends on factors like your skin type, duration of exposure, and the strength of the UV rays. Although a sunburn may seem temporary, repeated or intense burns can increase the risk of premature aging and skin cancer over time. A severe sunburn often is still red like a mild sunburn, but severe sunburns can be categorized by blistering, causing chills or body aches.
When to Seek Medical Care for a Sunburn
A common sunburn typically appears within a few hours after too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, whether from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Symptoms may vary based on skin sensitivity and the length of exposure, but redness and mild discomfort are common signs of a mild sunburn. If your sunburn is accompanied by blisters, severe pain, fever, chills, nausea, or signs of dehydration, it's more than just a common burn. It could indicate a more serious condition like sun poisoning or a second-degree burn.
Severe sunburns may require medical care to heal properly without scarring. If you have a severe sunburn, it is vital that you stay out of the sun completely until you’re healed, and you avoid sun exposure moving forward. Severe burns can make you more susceptible to long term skin damage that can lead to conditions like skin cancer.
Visit AFC Stoneham for All of Your Summer Urgent Care Needs
Sunburns are common, and while they may seem harmless, severe burns can lead to complications like long term skin damage or even cancer. It is vital to use sunscreen if you’re spending time in the sun, even in the wintertime, to prevent complications from sun exposure. If you have a severe sunburn, seeking medical care will help prevent blistering and infections.
At AFC Urgent Care Stoneham, our board-certified medical providers are experts at treating mild to moderate sunburns. However, severe burns may require care in the ER. Our walk-in clinic makes it easy to get your sunburn checked out by a medical provider so you can get peace of mind and any necessary treatment. We work with most medical insurance plans, and have affordable rates for patients paying out-of-pocket for their care. For more information, walk into the clinic or give our team a call at (781) 279-4000.
