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Overview
Severe sunburns raise skin cancer risk.
Dehydration can happen.
When to get medical care
Call 911Confusion or fainting.
Get care todayFever, chills, or large blisters.
See a doctor soonNot usually urgent.
Causes
Caused by UV exposure.
OwieClear has pages on 1 condition that can cause bad sunburn with blisters, fever, or chills. Each shows how soon to get care.
Common causes
- Severe sunburn (sun poisoning)Often needs care today
A bad sunburn with blistering, fever, chills, nausea, or headache.
What you can do at home
- Cool baths.
- Drink water.
- Don't pop blisters.
Medicines
Pain relievers.
At the doctor
Diagnosed by exam.
Questions you may be asked
- Exposure
The exam
A skin exam.
Tests
- None
Prevention
Protect skin.
- Sunscreen
Check your symptoms
Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-13.