Sun poisoning happens when the sunburn gets too extreme due to the UV radiation burning the skin. It usually gets unchecked as the symptoms are more like sunburn which is a common phenomenon. As it gets unnoticed it later causes a lot of other problems especially during the summers and in places where the sunlight is excessive. Redheads or the ones with a lighter skin color are more prone to sun poisoning due to lack of the pigment called melanin that soaks the UV light in order to give the skin protective layer through tanning.

It takes almost 15 to 20 minutes for the skin to burn and a little more for poisoning. The short term consequences remain for almost a week whereas in severe cases it may take more than a week’s time to recover.

Sun poisoning is of different types with different symptoms. Some types of sun poisoning are:

1. Solar urticarial: in this type poisoning there is a lot of itchiness and redness on the skin. The person might also experience bumps and hives, wheezing and dizziness.
2. Polymorphous light eruption: the patient develops rashes in the exposed areas causing hive-like bumps in dense clumps usually on the chest, arms and legs.
3. Inherited polymorphous light eruption: The patient experiences fatigue, severe headache and chills.

Apart from this differentiation the common symptoms of sun poisoning are as follows:

1. Swelling, Itchiness and Redness of the skin
2. Hives, lesions and Blisters on the skin
3. Rapid pulse and breathing problems
4. Severe symptoms are nausea, dizziness, and unconsciousness, Diarrhea, Dehydration and Headache. In severe cases the blisters will be too painful, and may also bleed. Thus the skin can eventually develop crusts and cracks.
5. If there is facial swelling then you must seek immediate medical help as at this stage the sun poisoning penetrates beyond the skin. Fever and chills also accompany facial swelling as the poisoning affects body’s temperature.
6. Upset stomach is another sign of the severity of sun poisoning and it may further damage the digestive system.
7. One of the most common yet most dangerous symptoms is dehydration and it can also lead to unconsciousness.

Difference between Sun Poisoning and Sun Burn

A lot of people confuse sun burn and sun poisoning. The main difference is the kind of rash the person develops. A poison ivy looking rash signals poisoning also known as photodermatitis. Sun poisoning is an extreme version of Sun burn and can have similar symptoms.

Sun poisoning rash – how does it look?

The most important symptom of sunburn poisoning or burning is a “rash”. It makes the skin red which is also painful. The skin dries peels off due to the allergic reaction to the sun’s UV rays. A sun poisoning rash is different from the traditional sunburn rash and has different characteristics. The rashes are small but cause excessive itchiness and irritation due to bumps on the skin. It can also cause painful and pus filled blisters. A person can also get chills along with vomiting, fever and headache. The rash appears depending on the person’s sensitivity and earlier experiences of sun poisoning. It can take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes for the rash to appear after an unprotected sun exposure.

Treating the sun poisoning rash

There is no single sure short treatment to get rid of the rash. The treatment also depends on the severity of the situation. It is more about easing the discomfort caused by the symptoms such as to alleviate the pain and itching. Some treatment options are:

• Taking a cool shower that will bring the body’s temperature down and also give some relief from the inflammation and itchiness
• Applying calamine lotion on the affected area
• Mixing baking soda in bathing water to soothe the skin
• Over-the-counter drugs such as Advil or Tylenol
• Applying benzocaine or any other topical anesthetic
• Gel from the aloe Vera plant is an excellent ointment. Stay out of the sun or wear protective clothing while the rash heals.

How long does sun poisoning last?

Most of the rashes caused by sun poisoning can heal within 10 to 15 days varying according to the severity of exposure and rash. If there isn’t much improvement then the doctor can suggest other treatment options. A mild heat rash can disappear on its own but a severe rash needs proper care and treatment as well as preventive measures.

Prevention

Be it the rash or sun burn or poisoning, it is better to stay conscious and take preventive steps to avoid dangerous consequences. That’s why planning the time and place of exposure to the sun is very important. Some other tips are:

1. Keep yourself hydrated. Drink a lot of fresh water and fresh juices. Avoid eating rich meals.
2. Wear protection accessories such as wide-brimmed hats, UV protection sunglasses with UV protection and long sleeved clothes.
3. Apply sun screen lotions generously.

Avoid the peak time such as late mornings or noon to be in the sun.

Sun Poisoning Rash – Pictures