How do you treat a bad sunburn?

Immediate relief

* Get out of the sun. Move to a shady area or indoors.

* Cool your skin. Take a cool bath or shower. You can also apply cold compresses to the sunburn.

* Apply aloe vera gel. Aloe vera gel can help to soothe and heal the sunburn.

* Take an over-the-counter pain reliever. Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help to relieve the pain and inflammation of the sunburn.

Aftercare

* Keep your skin moisturized. Apply a moisturizer to the sunburn several times a day.

* Avoid picking or scratching the sunburn. This can damage the skin and delay healing.

* Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Tight clothing can irritate the sunburn.

* Avoid sun exposure. Stay out of the sun until the sunburn has healed.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor if:

* The sunburn is severe. This means that the skin is blistered, oozing, or very painful.

* You have a fever.

* You have chills.

* You are vomiting.

* You have a headache.

* You are confused.

These symptoms could be a sign of heatstroke, a serious medical condition that can occur when the body becomes too hot.