Sun Poisoning: Not Just a Bad Burn

Summertime means more time outside in the sun. Extended exposure to the sun will cause sunburn and damage to the skin. For most people, protection can be provided by sunscreen, staying out of the mid-day sun and protective clothing. The American Academy of Dermatology and the Centers for Disease Control recommend that you avoid deliberate sunbathing and stay out of the sun between 10 and 2, wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and protective clothing. If you must be in the sun, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 even on cloudy days.

For some with extremely sun sensitive skin or who are taking drugs that change the skin's photosensitivity, extreme reactions to the sun may occur in the form of an allergic reaction. This type of reaction is commonly called by the non-scientific term, sun poisoning. This allergic reaction or sun poisoning includes a painful burn and often blisters. The sun poisoning reaction varies from person to person. Sun poisoning usually occur after a sun exposure in the summer or at times in the spring when you may be unaware of the sun's power. Lesions and blisters occur on the skin that has been exposed.

Women are more likely than men to have this type of an allergic reaction to the sun. Men and women with fair skin, light eyes, and light hair are more at risk for sun poisoning and should routinely follow the American Academy of Dermatology and Centers for Disease Control recommendations for skin protection in the sun.

In addition to the pain, redness and swelling that occur in the area exposed to the sun the victim of sun poisoning may experience chills, fever, nausea and dizziness.

Sun poisoning can be caused by a number of interactions of the body with the sun. Some people are more sensitive to the sun and have a more extreme reaction to the sun. Certain medications, chemicals and herbs such as Rue, St John's Wort, Angelica and Arnica may make the skin more sun sensitive. Persons with lupus or who are taking certain drugs such as antibiotics, NSAIDs and antidepressants, will be advised to avoid sun exposures.

Treatment for sun poisoning is similar to that of bad sunburn. Standard treatment includes cool baths and gentle showers to bring down the temperature of the skin and soothing pastes and ointments to relieve itching and an over the counter pain reliever. Make sure to drink water and stay out of the sun in a cool place. Call your doctor if you have a fever, extensive blistering, nausea and/or fainting.