Sun Poisoning

Sun poisoning can affect you if you are exposed to ultra violet rays from sun. Their symptoms can be mild or intense and the remedy or cure can take several days for full relief.

Sun poisoning describes a variety of allergic reactions of the skin to the sun. Sunburn, sun poisoning and sun allergy are usually used to describe a hypersensitive reaction to the sun. All are known as photodermatitis in medical terms and are caused by either overexposure to sun's rays (ultraviolet UVA and UVB) alone or in combination to certain cosmetics, chemicals, plants and drugs used on the skin or taken internally which make the skin more sensitive to sun exposure.

Frequent overexposure to ultraviolet rays can develop rashes, scars, itchy skin, dry skin and premature wrinkles; and increases the risk of developing eye cataracts and macular degeneration, leading to blindness. Sunburn early in life increases the risk of developing skin cancer at a later age.

Fair-skin people are more susceptible to the allergies because they have a shortage of protective skin pigmentation. Farmers who handle foods such as celery, carrots, parsnips, figs and limes under sun are susceptible. However, sunburns and sun poisoning can happen to anyone who is exposed to sunlight.

In sun poisoning, the reaction is severe and uncomfortable, while the sunburn symptoms are less intense. Most of the symptoms in both the cases are the same, except their intensity.

You will know the full extent and severity of the sun poisoning in 12 to 24 hours after sun exposure. Symptoms of sun poisoning are

1. Fever
2. Fatigue
3. Nausea
4. Vomiting
5. Dizziness
6. Headache
7. Red skin rash
8. Chills
9. Rapid pulse
10. Rapid breathing
11. Vesicles (fluid-filled, bubble-like under the skin) in severe form. The skin may become thick and dark in color.

The following are the risk factors for sun poisoning. You should try to avoid them where possible to prevent sun poisoning.

1. Avoid sunlight. Exposure to sunlight may have the following effects:
   • Phototoxic effect: exposure to the ultraviolet rays or taking chemicals or medications that make the skin more sensitive to UV light.
   • Polymorphous light eruptions or PLE: exposure to sunlight results in a red rash, hives or small fluid filled bumps.
     This condition usually affects People who live in the northern hemisphere can have PLE without sunburn.
   • Photoallergic effect: exposure to sun and taking certain chemicals or medications that make their skin allergic to sunlight.
2. Wear hats, long sleeves, sun glasses and use sunscreen when in sunlight.
3. Apply sunscreen every 2 hours if you are in the sun, or if you are playing sports in sun. Use zinc oxide as sunscreen at least with SPF >30. Use a lipstick that contains a sun-blocking agent.
   If you are out in a cloudy day you still need to wear sunscreen because the sun rays can penetrate through the clouds.
   For tanning your skin, use bronzing lotions that produce a tanned look and providing protection against sun exposure.
4. Certain creams, lotions, cosmetics and toiletries which contain psoralens, cortisone, coal tar, musk ambrette, methylcoumarin, psoralens or salicylic annelids or lemon oil.
5. Certain perfumes with lemon oils
6. Some soaps, deodorant bar soaps, detergents
7. Some aftershave lotions
8. Some shampoos
9. Sunscreens with p-aminobenzoic acids (PABA)
10. Some sunburn remedy products containing anesthetics are not good.
11. Certain drugs such as tetracycline, diuretics, tranquilizers, sulfa drugs , sulfonamides, phenothiazines, birth control pills, blood pressure medications. etc. These medicines can cause a healthy person's skin to suffer a serious rash on light exposure.
12. Prevention of sun poisoning is similar to sunburn prevention.

There is no quick treatment or remedy. Once you have the reaction, it may take several days for your skin to begin to heal and get relieved. The discomfort from the effects of sun poisoning can be relieved from the following:

1. Take a bath in cold water. Apply cold water compresses (a towel dampened with cool water) to the affected skin as needed. Soak in Aveeno oatmeal to cool the skin.
2. Keep the affected skin moist. Aloe vera lotions, hydrocortisone cream and moisturizing cream have soothing effects to the skin.
3. Stay in a cool environment until your symptoms ease.
4. Corticosteroid creams (Betametasone 0.1%) can ease the pain, redness and itching.
5. Hydrate yourself by drinking plenty of cold water.
6. Do not touch blisters or break them. You will increase the risk of infection.
7. When the damaged skin starts peeling continue to use moisturizing cream.
8. You can take anti-inflammatory medication such as aspirin or ibuprofen for relieving pain. Consult your Doctor before giving aspirin to children or teenagers .
9. Steroids such as prednisone pills can be given for severe reactions.
10. Its treatment is similar to sunburn remedy.

When to consult Doctor

Children and aged people are at higher risk of complications with sunburn and sun poisoning of not taken care of. Note that the effects of sun poisoning to children can be life-threatening.

Consult a doctor for a treatment if

1. You have severe pain.
2. You have high fever.
3. You have sunburn over a large portion of your body with blisters.
4. You are not relieved within a few days.

Disclaimer: Please note that the home remedies are only for minor common symptoms and should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. You should not rely on these remedies. Always consult your Doctor for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. You should also avoid using any of these remedies if you are allergic to any of the ingredients. The writer of this article or fatfreekitchen.com is not responsible in any manner.

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