6 Sun Poisoning Treatments And Its Distinction From Sunburn

Most people experience sunburn at some point, but not everyone has sun poisoning. Have you? Sun poisoning is a severe case of sunburn or an allergic reaction. Bumps on exposed skin are a sign, and it can appear quickly. A sunburn is red, painful skin from UV rays, while sun poisoning is an allergic reaction. People with sun allergies may experience it. What does sun poisoning look like? It often includes small bumps on exposed areas. It can be itchy and painful. Signs of a sun allergy include redness, itching, tiny bumps that may merge, scaling, crusting, or bleeding. Symptoms may appear on the “V” of the neck, hands, arms, and lower legs. “Sun poisoning” can also describe a severe sunburn with symptoms like blistering, pain, swelling, headache, fever, chills, nausea, dizziness, and dehydration. Types of sun allergies include polymorphous light eruption (PMLE), actinic prurigo (hereditary PMLE), photoallergic eruption, and solar urticaria.

How long does sun poisoning last? It depends on the type of allergy. Certain medications, chemicals, and medical conditions can make the skin more sensitive to the sun. Inherited traits may also play a role. Causes and risk factors include a sun allergy, certain medications, chemical contact, and having light skin. Symptoms usually show up minutes to hours after sun exposure. To diagnose, your doctor will consider your symptoms, skin exam, medical history, and family history (especially Native American ancestry). Phototesting may also be done. For mild sun poisoning, treatment may not be necessary. For severe cases, steroid pills or creams, phototherapy (exposing the skin to special UV lamps), and hydroxychloroquine may be used. Home treatment for mild sun poisoning includes using a cool compress, aloe vera gel, hydrating drinks, not scratching, staying out of the sun, and taking painkillers. Natural sun poisoning treatment includes avoiding the sun for a few days, using a natural sunscreen, trying phototherapy with natural sunlight, eliminating possible external and internal causes, using natural moisturizers like aloe vera gel and coconut oil, and being cautious with citrus fruits.

To prevent sun poisoning, take sun-safety precautions like wearing protective clothing and hats, using a broad-spectrum sunscreen, reapplying every two hours, limiting sun exposure during the strongest hours, using sun protection on cloudy days, avoiding certain medications and supplements that increase sun sensitivity, checking product labels, and seeking care if you have a rash on large areas or abnormal bleeding. Immediate emergency care is needed for a life-threatening allergic reaction. Remember, a severe sunburn is often called sun poisoning, but true sun poisoning is an allergic reaction. Symptoms include small red bumps. Excessive sun exposure without protection can cause a bad sunburn but not necessarily sun poisoning. Sun poisoning can occur quickly due to a sun allergy. It lasts depending on the allergy type. Manage it naturally by avoiding additional sun exposure, using a good sunscreen, trying natural phototherapy, avoiding certain products, being cautious with citrus fruits, and using soothing moisturizers.