For many folks, red, itchy and peeling skin is a common occurrence during the summer months. More than one-third of adults in the U.S. get sunburned every year. In most cases, sunburns can be easily managed at home with things like cold compresses, gentle lotion, hydration and a break from the sun.
![A person is lying face down on a beach towel with a visible sunburn on their back and arms](https://cdn.statically.io/img/img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/2024-06/26/17/asset/0b0d48a47495/sub-buzz-452-1719424551-1.jpg?downsize=700%3A%2A&output-quality=auto&output-format=auto)
Below, dermatologists share the types of sunburns and symptoms that require a doctor’s visit.
Needing medical attention for a sunburn is rare, but extensive blistering over a large portion of your body is a bad sign.
![Close-up of a person applying a remedy to their sunburned shoulder with a clear strap mark visible](https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/2024-06/26/18/asset/51a69f143c8f/sub-buzz-1023-1719424919-1.jpg)
But needing medical attention for a sunburn is rare. As a species, our protective mechanisms have evolved so that we generally seek shade or go inside once we notice redness or discomfort from a burn, Tang said.
![Close-up image of flaky, peeling skin on a person's shoulder, appearing dry and irritated with a small red patch. No known individuals are in the image](https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/2024-06/26/18/asset/b2d4cf2d67c4/sub-buzz-474-1719424956-1.jpg)
See a doctor if your sunburn is accompanied by heatstroke.
![A person sprays sunscreen onto another individual's bare back on a sunny beach day, emphasizing proper skin protection](https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/2024-06/26/18/asset/65ec4c083abe/sub-buzz-756-1719424988-1.jpg)
Just because you don’t get sunburned doesn’t mean the sun isn’t harming your skin.
![Close-up of a person's face with freckles or pigmentation spots, as they use a dropper to apply skincare serum to their cheeks](https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/2024-06/26/18/asset/75d9285c4d12/sub-buzz-481-1719425049-7.jpg)
You should apply sunscreen at least every two hours, and more frequently if you are swimming or sweating, he noted.
![A woman with sunglasses and a straw hat displays a severe sunburn on her shoulder, highlighting a tan line, while standing on a beach](https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/2024-06/26/18/asset/742eccc98471/sub-buzz-488-1719425075-8.jpg)
This article originally appeared on HuffPost.