Sun poisoning
| Sun poisoning | |
|---|---|
| [[File:|250px|]] | |
| Synonyms | |
| Pronounce | |
| Specialty | Dermatology |
| Symptoms | Skin redness, blistering, swelling, pain, fever, chills, nausea, headache |
| Complications | |
| Onset | Within hours of sun exposure |
| Duration | Days to weeks |
| Types | |
| Causes | Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun |
| Risks | Fair skin, certain medications, prolonged sun exposure |
| Diagnosis | Based on symptoms |
| Differential diagnosis | Heat stroke, Photodermatitis |
| Prevention | Sunscreen, protective clothing, avoiding midday sun |
| Treatment | Cool compresses, hydration, pain relief medication, corticosteroid creams |
| Medication | |
| Prognosis | Generally good with treatment |
| Frequency | |
| Deaths | |
Sun poisoning refers to a severe form of sunburn, which is a skin injury caused by excessive exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. It is characterized by symptoms such as skin redness, blistering, pain, and swelling. In more severe cases, it can include systemic symptoms like fever, chills, nausea, and headache.
Symptoms and Signs[edit | edit source]
The symptoms of sun poisoning can vary depending on the severity of the sunburn. Common signs include:
- Severe skin redness and blistering
- Swelling and pain in the affected areas
- Fever and chills
- Headache
- Nausea and dehydration
- Dizziness
Causes[edit | edit source]
Sun poisoning is primarily caused by prolonged exposure to UV radiation from the sun, particularly UVB rays. Factors that can increase the risk include:
- Having fair skin, which has less melanin
- Use of certain medications that increase UV sensitivity
- Not using sunscreen or protective clothing
- Spending extended periods in the sun without adequate protection
Prevention[edit | edit source]
Preventing sun poisoning involves limiting exposure to the sun, especially during peak hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), and taking protective measures such as:
- Applying broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF
- Wearing protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses
- Seeking shade during peak sun hours
- Reapplying sunscreen every two hours or after swimming or sweating
Treatment[edit | edit source]
Treatment for sun poisoning focuses on relieving symptoms and promoting healing. Recommended measures include:
- Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids
- Applying cool compresses to the affected areas
- Using over-the-counter pain relief medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen
- Applying corticosteroid creams for severe cases to reduce inflammation
See Also[edit | edit source]
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
