Sun poisoning

Sun poisoning
Specialty	Dermatology
Symptoms	Skin redness, blistering, swelling, pain, fever, chills, nausea, headache
Usual onset	Within hours of sun exposure
Duration	Days to weeks
Causes	Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun
Risk factors	Fair skin, certain medications, prolonged sun exposure
Diagnostic method	Based on symptoms
Differential diagnosis	Heat stroke, Photodermatitis
Prevention	Sunscreen, protective clothing, avoiding midday sun
Treatment	Cool compresses, hydration, pain relief medication, corticosteroid creams
Prognosis	Generally good with treatment

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

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

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

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

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

• Skin care
• Heat exhaustion
• First aid

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