Travel Medicine

Blistering sunburn treatment starts at home: cool the skin, drink plenty of fluids, and never pop the blisters. But a blistering burn is a second-degree burn. See a doctor if blisters cover a large area, if you have fever, chills, nausea, or dizziness, or if you see spreading redness, pus, or pain that keeps getting worse.

You burn faster in Thailand because the country sits near the equator, so the sun strikes almost straight down and the UV index often reaches extreme levels. Clouds block heat, not most UV. Sand and sea reflect the rays back at you, and the breeze hides the warning sting. Reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially on boats.