Preparing for an appointment

Most sunburns heal fine on their own. Consider seeking treatment for severe or repeated sunburn. You're likely to first see your primary care doctor. Before you go to your appointment, list the medications you're taking — including vitamins, herbs and over-the-counter drugs. Some drugs increase your sensitivity to UV light.

Questions to ask your doctor about sunburn include:

• Can I use over-the-counter medications to treat the condition, or do I need a prescription?
• How soon after I begin treatment can I expect improvement?
• What skin care routines do you recommend while the sunburn heals?
• What suspicious changes in my skin might I watch for?

If your sunburn is severe or your doctor notices any skin abnormalities, you might be referred to a doctor who specializes in skin diseases (dermatologist) for further evaluation.