A sunburn can be much worse than just some red, sore skin from being out in the sun too long. People can get such severe sunburns that they are classified as second or even third degree radiation burns. While you can put aloe vera on a first degree sunburn, the treatment for radiation burns that are second or third degree in nature require medical attention. When sunburns or cancer treatment radiation burns are severe, oral or intravenous medications are used to help with pain and healing. Seldom is a dressing used on a radiation burn as it is not required unless there are complications.