The term “sun poisoning” is frequently used to describe an extreme reaction to ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure, but the name itself is misleading. It does not involve a toxin or true poisoning of the body. Instead, it represents a spectrum of severe responses to the sun’s energy, ranging from an exaggerated burn to an immune system flare-up. This condition is far more intense than a typical sunburn, often presenting with systemic symptoms that leave a person feeling significantly ill. Understanding these intense reactions is the first step in knowing how to treat and prevent them.
Clarifying the Term: Severe Sunburn vs. Allergic Reactions
The phrase “sun poisoning” most commonly refers to a severe case of acute sunburn, which is essentially a first- or second-degree thermal burn caused by UV radiation. This reaction results from UV rays damaging the DNA within skin cells, leading to inflammation and cell death. The severity of the burn is directly related to the duration and intensity of the UV exposure.
Sun poisoning can also describe an immune-mediated reaction known as Polymorphic Light Eruption (PMLE), often called a “sun allergy.” PMLE is not a burn but an inflammatory response where the immune system reacts to changes in a skin compound triggered by UV exposure, primarily UVA light. This reaction usually appears after the first few exposures of the season and presents as a distinct rash rather than a simple burn.
Other reactions grouped under this umbrella term include phototoxic or photoallergic reactions, which involve the interaction of UV light with certain medications or topical products. Phototoxic reactions resemble an exaggerated sunburn and happen quickly. Photoallergic reactions are less common, involve the immune system, and appear more like eczema or hives. Recognizing the underlying mechanism guides the appropriate treatment approach.
Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms
A severe sun reaction goes far beyond the pain and redness of a mild sunburn, manifesting as both localized skin issues and widespread bodily distress. Localized symptoms include intense redness, significant swelling, and the development of large, fluid-filled blisters. In cases of severe sunburn, the skin may begin to peel days later as the body sheds the damaged cell layers.
Systemic symptoms often accompany the skin damage, indicating the body is struggling with the severity of the reaction. These can include flu-like symptoms such as a high fever and chills. The person may also experience a headache, nausea, and vomiting, which compounds the risk of dehydration. For individuals experiencing PMLE, the hallmark is an intensely itchy rash composed of small, raised red bumps.
Immediate Care and Medical Intervention
Once a severe reaction has occurred, the immediate goal is to cool the skin and manage systemic symptoms. The affected person should immediately get out of the sun and take a cool shower or bath to help draw heat away from the skin. Applying cool compresses or a gentle moisturizer containing aloe vera can help soothe the burn and conserve moisture.
Fluid replacement is important because severe burns draw fluid away from the body, and systemic symptoms like vomiting accelerate dehydration. Drinking extra water or electrolyte-rich fluids is necessary to restore the body’s balance. Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, can help reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain.
Immediate medical attention is required if certain “red flags” are present, indicating a dangerous situation. These signs include a fever of 102°F or higher, signs of severe dehydration (such as dizziness, confusion, or reduced urination), and extensive blistering over a large body area. Healthcare professionals may treat severe cases with intravenous (IV) fluids to correct dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. They may also prescribe oral or topical corticosteroid medications to reduce inflammation and pain, or specialized wound care for large blisters to prevent infection.
Preventing Severe Sun Exposure Reactions
Proactive measures are the most effective way to avoid the painful consequences of severe sun reactions. Consistent use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30 is necessary, as this formulation blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Sunscreen should be applied generously fifteen minutes before going outdoors and reapplied every two hours, or immediately after swimming or sweating.
Seeking shade is also highly recommended during peak sun hours, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are strongest. Wearing protective clothing, such as wide-brimmed hats and tightly woven, long-sleeved shirts, offers a physical barrier against UV penetration. Additionally, many common medications, including some antibiotics, diuretics, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, can increase the skin’s sensitivity to light. Individuals taking these photosensitizing drugs should consult their doctor for personalized sun protection advice.