Symptoms of sunburn

See a doctor if there is

• Blistering over a large area of the body
• High fever, severe pain, or signs of infection in blisters (pus, spreading redness, increasing pain)
• Sunburn in a baby under 1 year - always worth a doctor's call
• Symptoms not improving after several days

Heatstroke - the emergency to rule out

Sun exposure that burns the skin can also overheat the body. Call 112 immediately if someone in the sun develops:

• Confusion, slurred speech, or strange behavior
• Fainting or seizures
• Very hot skin with a high body temperature
• Rapid pulse and rapid breathing

Move them to shade, cool the body with wet cloths and fanning, and give water only if fully conscious while waiting for help.

Ayurvedic view (interpretive): Classical texts describe pitta aggravation from excess sun with burning, redness, and thirst - a recognizable match. The framework is interpretive; the emergency signs above are modern medicine's and should drive action.

Remember: Red, hot, painful skin hours after sun exposure is sunburn and usually heals in days. Large blisters, high fever, a burned baby, or any confusion and fainting mean this is no longer just a sunburn - get medical help.