What is Sun Poisoning ?

Sun poisoning is much like sunburn and both are medically defined as photodermatitis. This means that the 2 conditions are basically the same condition, medically speaking naturally. Sunburn is the outcome of too much sun but sun poisoning can indicate a couple different situations. Generally, the expression sun poisoning is applied to describe situations that go well past the standard sore and red skin of a sunburn.

The pigments in the skin grant you some natural shield against UV rays, and sunblock increases this protection. But once this defense is beyond its limit, the sun starts to burn and damage the skin. The outcome is pink and red swollen skin that is sore and very sensitive to the touch. If your sunburn is bad enough, you may have blistering as the body sacrifices the skin on top in the hopes of preserving the young skin underneath.

Sun poisoning commonly includes a sunburn but also symptoms such as fever, headache, dizziness or nausea. Dehydration is very widespread as is a feeling of light-headedness and brain cloudiness. You are more susceptible to sun poisoning if you have not eaten in a long while or if you struggle to maintain your blood sugar.

Sun poisoning can also mean when a person’s body is exceptionally sensitive to sun light and even just slight exposure can yield a rash or bumps. This is known as polymorphous light eruption or PLE and appears most often right at the start of warm weather after a long period where people were extremely deprived of sunlight. With PLE, the skin does not have to burn for the rash to appear. There are many medicines that increase a person’s sensitivity to light such as certain antibiotics, NSAIDs and certain birth control medicines.

The ideal way to avoid the negative effects from the sun if you are spending the day outside is to protect yourself with sunblock and clothing and to seek shade. Whenever you are outside, try to find shade by either sitting under a tree or even bringing an umbrella or hat with. People who are susceptible to sun poisoning symptoms like light headedness would be clever to break up their sun exposure with either visits indoors or time spent in the shade. Also remember to drink enough fluids and if you feel like you are getting sunburned, get out of the sun at once because it means that a sunburn is already forming and extra time in the sun will only amplify the severity of the burn.

If you are especially photosensitive, you will need to take further steps such as wearing sunblock on most days and being very aware of when you are exposed to the sun. And also be very aware of the sun exposure you get from being in automobiles or in sunny offices because glass windows provide no sun protection. So even when you are inside, be aware of your sun exposure and consider moving yourself into the shade or covering up your skin with clothing.