Sun Poisoning: Its Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

When you are exposed to the ultraviolet rays of the sun for a long period of time, you may be the victim of sun poisoning. During the summer months, with the sun rays at its strongest, sun poisoning is the most common time of the year to get this condition. If you have light skin, even if you are in the sun for a short period of time, you can get it. Also, if you use certain drugs, medications for diabetes, for example, and cosmetics, you can fall victim to the sun.

Symptoms of sun poisoning can be mild or severe. The mild symptoms can be red skin, soreness and itching. More severe symptoms include blistering of the skin, painful burning in the affected area, fever, dizziness and vomiting. When the symptoms are severe, the skin may become scarred and wrinkle prematurely.

If you have mild symptoms of sun poisoning, you must protect your skin from further exposure to the sun. The best thing to do is to stay indoors until the symptoms disappear. This may take three to five days. However, if you need to go out in the sun, wear a wide brim hat and apply SPF 50 sunscreen to your exposed skin.

If blisters start to form on your burnt skin, you will notice that they are filled with water. Do not try to pop them. They are there to protect your skin from further damage. They will eventually break on their own.
Most symptoms of sun poisoning can be treated at home. They will help relieve the pain, itching and swelling.

1. Place damp rags over the burnt skin. These will draw out the heat.

2. Fill a bathtub of cool water. Add a cup of baking soda. Soak for approximately twenty minutes. When you are done, pat yourself dry with a towel.

3. Use lotion that has Aloe Vera. This both cools and heals the skin.

4. Take Ibuprofen for pain. Read the manufacturer's label for the recommended dosage.

5. Lemon has excellent anti-bacterial properties. Add a teaspoon of lemon juice to a cup of water. Apply the mixture to the burnt skin.

6. Drink water to replace lost electrolytes.

These remedies in most cases will help and reduce the discomforts you get when you have sun poisoning. However, if you get a fever, are dizzy or vomiting, seek immediate medical attention. Sun poisoning also causes you to become dehydrated because you lose fluids and electrolytes. You may be a victim of more serious conditions called heatstroke and sunstroke.

Reference:

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