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Sunburn and a fever

Healthwise
By Jan Nissl, RN, BS

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The average normal body temperature is 98.6°F (37°C) when taken orally (by mouth). It might be lower in the morning and then get higher as the day warms up. A mild elevation of body temperature of 100°F (37.8°C) might be caused by too much clothing, a hot bath, or hot weather.

Fever is usually a sign of illness. You may have a mild fever of less than 101°F (38.3°C) with a sunburn. Home treatment is usually all that is needed to treat a mild fever. If your fever increases or continues for longer than 1 day, or if other symptoms develop, an evaluation by your health professional may be needed.

A fever may be a sign of a heat-related illness. Heat exhaustion occurs when your body cannot sweat enough to cool you off. It can happen when you are working or exercising in hot weather or getting sunburned. Given the right conditions, heat-related illnesses can also develop in hot indoor environments.

Credits

Author Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Michele Cronen
Associate Editor Tracy Landauer
Primary Medical Reviewer William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology
Last Updated December 28, 2007
Last Updated: 12/28/2007