Summer is here, and with its hot temperatures comes the opportunity to enjoy the warm weather and sunshine. However, it’s important to remember that too much sun can be harmful to our skin.
One problem that arises when you’re exposed to too much sun is sunburn, which is also known as sun poisoning. We know not many people know what it is, but if you recently got to know about it, it’s important to know everything about it.
In this article, we will be discussing sun poisoning, which is a severe form of skin inflammation that is caused by prolonged exposure to the sun’s UV rays. Down below, we will cover the causes, symptoms, and treatment of sun poisoning, as well as steps you can take to protect your skin from sun damage.
Here are all the things that you need to know about sun poisoning.
What Is Sun Poisoning?
Sun poisoning, which is also known as severe sunburn, is a type of severe skin inflammation that is caused by prolonged exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays.
Anyone that gets sun poisoning will experience symptoms such as redness, pain, blistering, and fever. Not only that, but it also causes nausea, chills, dizziness, dehydration, and in severe cases, confusion, hallucinations, and seizures.
Please do note that the term “sun poisoning” is not a medical term, it is a colloquial term used to describe a severe sunburn.
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What Causes Sun Poisoning?
It is caused by prolonged exposure to UV rays from the sun, which can damage the skin’s DNA and increase the risk of skin cancer.
Sun poisoning is most commonly caused by a combination of factors such as staying out in the sun for long periods of time without adequate sun protection, not reapplying sunscreen as recommended, and sunbathing at the sun’s peak hours (between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.).
It is important to take precautions to protect your skin from sun exposure, such as wearing protective clothing and using sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30.
Note: If you do experience sun poisoning, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Symptoms Of Sun Poisoning
Symptoms of sun poisoning can include redness and pain in the affected area, skin blistering, fever, chills, nausea, dehydration, and dizziness. In severe cases, sun poisoning can cause confusion, hallucinations, and even seizures.
In case you suspect you have sun poisoning, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
How Is It Diagnosed?
Doctors typically diagnose sun poisoning based on a patient’s symptoms and a physical examination. They are going to look out for signs of sunburn and skin damage such as redness, pain, blistering, and fever. TNot only that but they may also ask about a patient’s sun exposure history and any other symptoms they may be experiencing, such as nausea, chills, dizziness, or dehydration.
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In rare cases, a doctor may order a skin biopsy to check for skin cancer or other underlying conditions. Also, during more severe cases, a doctor may also order blood tests or other laboratory tests to evaluate the patient’s overall health and check for any complications such as dehydration or blood infection.
When To See A Doctor?
It is recommended by professionals to seek medical attention right away if you suspect you have sun poisoning and experience any of the following symptoms:
- Severe sunburn that causes blistering
- A fever over 101°F (which is around 38°C)
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness or fainting
- Confusion or hallucinations
- Seizures
- Dehydration
- Any other symptoms that concern you or that do not improve within a few days
If you recently had a severe sunburn, it’s important to keep an eye on your skin for any signs of infection and seek medical attention if you notice any signs of infection such as increasing pain, redness, swelling, or pus.
Sun Poisoning Complications
Sun poisoning can lead to several complications if left untreated.
Some of the complications that can occur as a result of sun poisoning include:
- Dehydration
- Heat exhaustion and heat stroke
- Skin damage
- Infection such as skin blisters
- Hyperpigmentation
- Scarring
- Photosensitivity
- Systemic involvement such as fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting
It is important to take precautions in order to protect your skin from prolonged sun exposure. To do that, you can wear protective clothing and use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30.
Treatment For Sun Poisoning
The treatment options for sun poisoning include:
Pain relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help to reduce pain and inflammation that is caused by sun poisoning. It can also improve sleep comfort.
Hydration: Drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated and to help prevent dehydration.
Cooling: Applying cool compresses or taking a cool bath can help to soothe sunburned skin.
Topical creams: Over-the-counter creams or gels containing aloe vera or hydrocortisone can help to reduce inflammation and pain. In severe cases, prescribed creams or gels are to be used.
Blister care: If blisters form on the skin, it’s important to keep them clean and covered to prevent infection.
Medical attention: If the sunburn is severe, or if you experience symptoms such as fever, chills, nausea, or dehydration, it’s important to seek medical attention right away to get proper treatment.
It is important to keep an eye on your skin for any signs of infection and seek medical attention if you experience increasing pain, redness, swelling, or pus in the area that’s affected.
Summary – What Is Sun Poisoning
In short, sun poisoning is a severe form of skin inflammation that is caused by prolonged sun exposure. It’s important to protect the skin with sunscreen and clothing, and if experiencing symptoms please seek medical attention right away as untreated sun poisoning can lead to complications.
