Sun Poisoning:What Is It and How Can I Treat It?

Sun Poisoning:What Is It and How Can I Treat It?

Overview

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  • Source: Microbioz India

  • Date: 14 Apr,2025

As we spend more time outdoors during summer, taking care of our skin becomes crucial. Most of us are acquainted with sunburns, but for people exposed to UV rays for protracted periods, a more extreme reaction known as sun poisoning can occur. Despite its dramatic name, sun poisoning isn’t a true poisoning; in fact, it’s an extreme sunburn that comes with severe symptoms. Knowing what it is, how it affects the body, and how to treat it can help mitigate skin damage this season.

Sun Poisoning: What Is It?

Sun poisoning describes a category of sunburn that goes well past the obligatory red coloring and discomfort.

It may provoke a body-wide reaction akin to an allergy and usually includes:

  1. Redness and severe blistering
  2. Swelling and Severe Inflammation
  3. Severe Headaches and Dizziness
  4. Nausea and/or Vomiting
  5. Fever, perhaps accompanied with chills
  6. Dehydration
  7. Rarely, causing confusion or fainting

These symptoms can persist for several days. In some cases, medical intervention is essential. Prolonged exposure to the sun without proper protection often leads to these symptoms, especially when at snow-capped mountains or beaches at higher altitudes.

Who Is Most at Risk?

While anyone can undergo sun poisoning, some groups are more at risk than others:

People with fair or sensitive skin. Individuals on certain medications such as antibiotics or acne medications that make one more sensitive to the sun. Individuals suffering from autoimmune diseases. Individuals living close to the equator or in high altitudes.

Always knowing your danger signs can help mitigate the consequences or effects of being under the sun for long periods of time.

How Can You Treat Sun Poisoning?

If you think you might be suffering from sun poisoning, do the following to minimize damage and discomfort:

Get Out of the Sun Immediately

Locate an air-conditioned structure or get into some shadow to avoid further UV exposure.

Stay Hydrated

Since sun poisoning tends to make one dehydrated, make sure your water or electrolyte-rich fluids of choice are plentiful.

Soothe the Skin

To ease ache and swelling for the skin, apply aloe vera gel, cold compresses or calamine lotion. Stay away from items containing alcohol or fragrances.

Manage Pain and Fever

To stay headache free, over the counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen will also work wonders on the swelling and fever.

Wear Loose, Breathable Clothing

Individuals with sensitive skin might find form fitting clothing irritating, wear soft cotton garments while healing.

If symptoms worsen more than expected for an illness, i.e., vomiting is persistent, blisters are infected, or there is severe dehydration, then a healthcare expert must be consulted.

Is It Possible to Prevent Sun Poisoning?

With the right measures, sun poisoning can indeed be avoided:

  1. Put on sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum coverage, preferably SPF 30 or higher, 15 minutes before going outside and every two hours afterwards.
  2. Wear protective clothing as well as hats and sunglasses.
  3. Steer clear of the sun’s peak time from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  4. Stay in shaded areas as much as possible.
  5. Watch out for water, snow, or sand because these surfaces reflect the sun and increase UV exposure.

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