Although many think of burn by exposure to a hot object or substance, sunburn is also a form of burn that should be treated with urgency if it causes more severe symptoms, such as a fever. The best way to treat sunburn is to try and keep the body cool. The way to keep the body cool is to apply a cold compress (a cold, damp washcloth usually works) and a cooling substance (aloe vera, for example) to the affected area. Additionally, anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen can help reduce the swelling caused by sunburn.