What to do after a bad sunburn and heat exhaustion

Dear Ask The Doctor: I was at the beach all day and I put sunblock once quickly, now I have a sunburn, chills, blistering on forehead, headache, dehydration, and my body feels really hot. Should I go to the hospital or just stick to ibroprphen and aloe vera gel? Thanks.

You could be having heat exhaustion and dehydration that’s why you’re having those symptoms. Aspirin is better for sunburn; aloe vera gel also helps. Having a long shower with cold water will also help. Load up on water so the dehydration can be corrected; avoid caffeine and soda since it will only make dehydration worse. If you will start to feel weakness, dizziness, numbness and/or the fever does not resolve with aspirin, then you should see a doctor promptly. I hope this helps.