“Sun poisoning” can make someone feel unwell, causing systemic symptoms beyond typical sunburn. It refers to a severe reaction to intense ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure, leading to uncomfortable, sometimes serious, systemic effects. Though not actual poisoning, the term describes a severe bodily response to significant sun damage. Understanding its signs and treatment is crucial for well-being.
Understanding Sun Poisoning
Sun poisoning describes a severe sunburn or intense inflammatory reaction to UV light, not actual poisoning. This reaction can manifest as polymorphous light eruption (PMLE), a common skin rash affecting approximately 15% of people worldwide sensitive to UV light. In PMLE, the immune system reacts to changes in the skin caused by sunlight, leading to inflammation. The term “polymorphous” indicates the rash can appear in various forms, such as small red bumps, larger red patches, or even blisters.
The underlying mechanism involves the skin’s exposure to excessive UV radiation, which damages skin cells. The body’s immune system then mounts a strong inflammatory response to this damage. This severe reaction impacts the body systemically, beyond superficial skin redness and pain. While the exact causes for severe reactions like PMLE are not fully understood, they involve an immune response to light-induced skin changes.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Sun poisoning symptoms extend beyond typical sunburn discomfort, causing systemic illness. These systemic symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, and headache. Fever, sometimes with chills, also indicates a strong bodily reaction to sun exposure.
Feeling dizzy or lightheaded, along with significant fatigue, can also occur. These symptoms often stem from the body’s inflammatory response to extensive UV damage and potential dehydration. The skin itself will show severe signs like intense redness, pain, blistering, and sometimes peeling. These skin reactions, combined with systemic issues, indicate a more severe condition.
Treating Sun Poisoning
Managing sun poisoning symptoms often begins with immediate home care to alleviate discomfort and support the body’s recovery. Cooling the affected skin can provide relief; this can be achieved by taking cool (not cold) baths or showers or applying cool compresses. Maintaining adequate hydration is also important, so drinking plenty of water and electrolyte-containing fluids is recommended. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help reduce pain and inflammation.
Applying moisturizing lotions, particularly those containing aloe vera, can soothe the skin and prevent further drying or peeling. It is important to avoid further sun exposure until the skin has healed and systemic symptoms have resolved. Medical attention becomes necessary if symptoms worsen or include severe blistering, signs of dehydration like extreme thirst or reduced urination, a high fever (over 103°F or 39.4°C) with vomiting, confusion, or persistent nausea and vomiting. In severe cases, medical professionals may administer intravenous fluids for hydration or prescribe corticosteroids to reduce inflammation.
Preventing Sun Poisoning
Preventing sun poisoning involves consistent and comprehensive sun protection strategies. Seeking shade, particularly during peak sun hours, typically between 10 AM and 4 PM, significantly reduces UV exposure. Wearing protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts, pants, and wide-brimmed hats, creates a physical barrier against UV radiation.
Applying broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher is an important measure. This sunscreen should protect against both UVA and UVB rays and needs to be applied generously at least 15 to 30 minutes before sun exposure, then reapplied every two hours, or more frequently after swimming or sweating. Awareness of reflective surfaces like water, sand, and snow, which intensify UV rays, is also important, as these surfaces can increase the risk of overexposure.