Sun Poisoning Symptoms and Treatment

Sun poisoning is a term usually used to describe a hypersensitive reaction to the sun. Medically there is no difference between sunburn and sun poisoning; both are called photodermatitis. Read further to discover sun poisoning symptoms and treatment to identify and relieve your pain.

Sun poisoning symptoms are identical to those of severe sunburn. They can include significant itching, redness, and sometimes blisters which could lead to infection on areas of skin exposed to sunlight. Other systemic (non-skin) symptoms include nausea, rapid pulse, rapid breathing, fever, dizziness, fatigue, headache, chills, fluid loss, and electrolyte imbalance.

Sun poisoning symptoms are naturally caused by overexposure to the sun's rays or tanning bed rays. Some medical conditions, medications, and cosmetic ingredients can make the skin more sensitive to sun exposure. That means that even a very short exposure can lead to sun poisoning if the conditions are right.

Conditions and treatments that can make the skin more sensitive to the sun's rays and lead to sun poisoning include: being fair skinned or red haired; using certain medicines like tetracycline, thiazide diuretics, sulfa drugs and oral contraceptives, St. John's wort and other anti-depressants; medical conditions including albinism, lupus, porphyria, vitiligo, and xeroderma pigmentosum; topical applications of cosmetics, lotions, fragrances or soaps containing musk ambrette, methylcoumarin, lemon oil, PABA, psoralens, coal tars or salicylic annelids. If you have had a reaction to the sun in the past, read the labels!

A non complicated case of severe sunburn or sun poisoning doesn't require medical attention. Apply cool compresses, avoid subsequent exposure to the sun until the burn has healed, take aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen or acetaminophen for pain and be sure to drink adequate water. Cool plain water baths can relieve swelling and sooth painful skin, but don't add salts, oils or fragrances to the water. Also don't scrub or shave affected skin. Be sure to pat the skin dry rather than rub to prevent further damage. Contact a doctor if you feel the need, they will assess whether an office visit is required. If warranted, the doctor can prescribe corticosteroid cream or prednisone. If the fever rises to 105 F, an altered mental state appears, the victim loses consciousness, or if they can't keep any fluids down, a visit to the emergency department is warranted.

These sun poisoning symptoms and treatment tips are useful, but the damage from a sunburn is a health issue. Just because recovery without medical aid is possible, it shouldn't be assumed that there is no danger. Skin cancer is a real risk and suffering repeated damage increases the likelihood. Prevention is important. Stay out of the sun between 10 and 3, apply sunblock often, wear a hat and long clothing. Know that clouds don't protect you and that UV rays reflect off water, snow, and sand. If the worst should happen and you get burned again, refer back to Sun Poisoning Symptoms and Treatment for help.