Sun Poison: Causes, Effects and Treatments

Many people during the summer take advantage of the hot summer days laying out at the pool or by the beach. Many who do not protect their skin using sun screen are at possible risk of developing skin poison. This can cause a person severe pain and sickness if sun poisoning is bad enough.

There are many reasons why people get sun poison. One of the main reasons is over exposure to UV rays. Medications and certain conditions within the human body may make some people more sensitive to the sun and it's UV rays. Many get sun poisoning by not wearing sun screen while out in the summer sun. People who are faired skin and do not use protection while out in the sun are at greater risk of developing sun poison.

There are signs of sun poisoning that people can look for. At first the skin exposed to the sun begins to look like a sunburn. This is usually the first stage. The longer the person remains in the sun unprotected the worse it gets. Many do not realize they have developed sun poisoning until they have come in for the day. The second symptom of skin poisoning is small blisters that form on the exposed area. These blisters are filled with fluids. Other symptoms are chills, nausea and vomiting, fatigue, and skin loss or peeling within four to seven days after exposure. More serious side effects are dehydration, shock, and some cases of death have been reported with severe skin poisoning.

Treatments

There are a number of treatments that can decrease the burning effect of skin poisoning as well as fever and pain. One thing to do is take a shower or soak in a bath of cool water. This can take out some of the heat and ease the pain. Secondly, aloe vera gel or an aloe vera plant can help sooth the irritated skin and takes the burning away. Last using medications such as ibuprofen helps with inflammation. Taking an ibuprofen along with aloe or cold shower helps reduce the pain significantly and any fever that the person may develop.

Prevention

People can prevent sun poisoning and sun burns. One way to prevent these skin irritations from happening is limiting your time outside, especially during the hottest parts of the day. If you have to be outside during this time, wear a sun block. Remember that it needs to be applied every four hours for maximum protection. If you are taking medication that make you sensitive to the sun, avoid going outside. If you have to go out make sure you wear long pants and a wide brim hat so that exposure to the skin is limited. Following these easy prevention tips can slim a persons risk of developing sun poison.