The term “sun poisoning” is non-scientific and is used as something of a catch-all to describe various allergic responses to too much time in the sun. It is more common among certain people than others and usually comes as a result of leisure activities at beaches, pools and sporting events. That’s why it’s important to keep covered if you’re going to spend more than 15 minutes in the great outdoors. For people with fair skin, that’s the length of time it can take at peak hours for the sun to have an effect on skin.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Cancer Institute combined for a study that reported some 50 percent of young adults ages 18 through 29 sustained at least one sunburn in the last year. Although the survey does not account for the severity of the burns, any level can be problematic.
The Skin Cancer Foundation also did a survey and estimated that more than 40 percent of the population gets at least one sunburn per year. Continuous burning and healing will increase susceptibility to skin cancer, and it’s estimated that five or more sunburns per year doubles the risk for skin melanoma.
Cumulative sun exposure over the years can lead to Basal Cell Carcinoma or Squamous Cell Carcinoma, both likely to occur on the hands, face or ears, the areas most exposed to the sun. Factors like a family history of skin cancer, the level of skin melanin and even location on the planet can play a role.
UV Rays' Role in Sunburns
When someone is said to suffer from sun poisoning, they have experienced a sunburn where the ultraviolet radiation has severely inflamed the skin. Here are five symptoms of sun poisoning:
1) Large blisters
2) Headache
3) Dizziness
4) Fever
5) Swelling of the affected area
Severe symptoms can include nausea, fainting, dehydration, and rapid pulse and breathing. Sunburn is most noticeable when the skin turns extremely red, and the afflicted may become drowsy or experience dilated pupils. Most will feel tenderness in the areas affected, but chills and vomiting can indicate that something is seriously wrong.
The short-term effects usually manifest within a half day after experiencing the burn, and the longer-term symptoms can take a day or more to manifest. When sun poisoning occurs and severe symptoms kick in, seek professional medical attention. Pain management medications and healing balms will be used to bring relief, and intravenous fluids may be used to help restore hydration and electrolytes.
Preventing Sun Poisoning
Avoiding sun exposure is a surefire way to miss out on sun poisoning. But because most of us have to leave the house from time to time, it’s suggested that covering up is the best defense against overexposure. Hats, long-sleeved shirts, and sunglasses are recommended, and sunscreen of SPF 30 should be applied to open areas of skin. Keep in mind that SPF 30 is enough protection, despite SPFs of 100 or more being available. SPF 50 provides just a fraction more protection, not 20 percent more than SPF 30.
Once outside, it’s a good idea to reapply sunscreen every two hours, particularly if going in the water or sweating profusely. The sun is most powerful between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., so pay particular attention to exposure during that time, especially for young children and the elderly. Keep in mind that some medications may increase sun exposure sensitivity, including antibiotics, antidepressants, acne medicines, heart drugs, diuretics and birth control pills.
If it happens and you’re not in a position to seek immediate professional medical attention for sun poisoning, there are a few home remedies. Drink plenty of water to hydrate and take aspirin or ibuprofen to help with the pain. Avoid popping blisters, which could lead to infection, and don’t spread a rash by scratching it. Take a cool (not cold) bath or apply cool compresses to soothe the swelling. Try hydrocortisone cream as a balm for pain and itching.
Try to use cold compresses on the burned sections of skin to help with the swelling and pain. The cloth used can contain cold water, milk, tea, Burow’s solution or aloe vera. All are effective at soothing a burned area.
When showering or bathing, use cool water (not ice cold) and try to avoid using soap, body wash, bath salts, oils or other additives on the affected areas. Pat dry and keep an eye on the area to make sure it’s not getting infected.
Finally, stay out of the sun until you are healed. Repeated burns are a big problem, and once a severe burn occurs, the skin becomes susceptible to multiple problems.
Polymorphous Light Eruption
There is a special type of sun poisoning known as polymorphous light eruption (PMLE via abbreviation). This is a reaction that usually affects people who haven’t been exposed to intense sunlight for some time. Its main victims are typically light-skinned people on vacation in sunnier climes who haven’t built up tolerance to the sun and dive right in on their first day. That’s a big mistake, as PMLE can result in hives, dense bumps on the skin and a severe skin rash. Note that PMLE is genetically inherited, and it can manifest itself from late spring until late fall.
Some old-fashioned home remedies include potato paste, which uses the starches in potatoes to help heal the skin; and a combination of baking soda and cornstarch, which also helps promote skin healing. Witch hazel has anti-inflammatory properties and has been known to provide immense pain relief, too.
Keep in mind that sun poisoning, like all sunburns, is easily avoidable with some caution and preparation. Take the time to get ready for outdoor living, and you can miss out on the severe pain and assorted illnesses that come with sun poisoning.