Sun poisoning, also known as photodermatitis, is a skin condition caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. It can occur after just one day spent in the sun or gradually over time from repeat UV exposure. Anyone can get sun poisoning, but people with fair skin are especially susceptible. While usually mild, sun poisoning causes red, painful skin that can blister. With proper sun protection and limiting time in the sun, sun poisoning can be avoided.
What Causes Sun Poisoning?
Sun poisoning is caused by overexposure to UV radiation, either from natural sunlight or artificial tanning sources. There are three types of UV rays:
- UVA rays – Cause skin aging and wrinkling
- UVB rays – Burn the outer layer of skin
- UVC rays – Most harmful but absorbed by earth’s ozone layer
UVB rays in particular are responsible for sunburns and sun poisoning. They penetrate the top layers of skin and damage skin cells. The symptoms of sun poisoning are your body’s reaction to this cell damage.
While anyone can get sun poisoning, people most at risk include:
- Those with fair skin, light hair and eye color
- People who don’t wear sunscreen or protective clothing
- Individuals who spend extended time outdoors
- People in areas with bright sun at high altitudes
- Those taking medications that increase sun sensitivity
Overexposure to UV rays causes genetic mutations in skin cells that can lead to skin cancer. So sun poisoning may be the first warning sign of excessive UV radiation damage.
Symptoms of Sun Poisoning
The symptoms of sun poisoning usually appear within a few hours after sun overexposure. They include:
- Redness – Skin becomes very red, similar to a severe sunburn.
- Pain – The skin is tender and painful to the touch.
- Blisters – Small, fluid-filled blisters may develop, like a second-degree burn.
- Chills – Chills and shivering may occur as sun poisoning sets in.
- Fever – A low-grade fever often accompanies sun poisoning.
- Nausea – Some people feel nauseous or experience vomiting.
- Headache – Throbbing headaches are common.
- Fatigue – Extreme tiredness and weakness may occur.
- Dehydration – Excessive fluid loss through damaged skin can lead to dehydration.
The severity of symptoms depends on the amount of UV exposure, skin type, and any medications or medical conditions. Fair skin is more prone to burning and blistering reactions.
Areas of the Body Usually Affected
Any exposed areas of skin can become sun poisoned if unprotected from UV radiation. The most commonly affected sites include:
- Shoulders
- Back
- Chest
- Arms
- Thighs
- Face – especially the nose, lips, ears and around the eyes
- Scalp if hair is thin or parted in areas
These areas often peek out from clothing while swimming or participating in water sports. They also bear the brunt of sun exposure while sunbathing. Using sunscreen meticulously on exposed skin is essential to prevent sun poisoning.
When to See a Doctor
Mild sun poisoning usually heals on its own within a few days. Using over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream can help relieve any itching or discomfort. But with more severe reactions involving blistering, fever, dehydration, or extreme pain, it’s important to see a doctor. Signs to seek medical treatment include:
- High fever over 101°F
- Extensive blistering or weeping wounds
- Severe pain or tenderness
- Dehydration symptoms like dizziness, palpitations, or dark urine
- Pus or skin infections
- No improvement in symptoms after a few days
- Underlying medical conditions or taking medications that increase sun sensitivity
For babies under one year old with sun poisoning, always see a pediatrician right away. Infants are at high risk for dehydration which can quickly become life-threatening.
Doctors may provide IV fluids for rehydration. Antibiotics may be prescribed if skin blisters become infected. Medications can help reduce pain, swelling, and itching. Severe blistering may require bandaging and wound care to prevent scarring.
Complications of Sun Poisoning
Most cases of sun poisoning resolve on their own with no long lasting effects. But excessive sun exposure that causes burning and blistering damage can sometimes lead to:
- Scarring – Deep blistering wounds may heal with permanent scars if not properly treated.
- Heatstroke – In severe cases, sun poisoning can progress to heatstroke which is a medical emergency.
- Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation – A rare complication involving blood clotting and bleeding disorders.
- Skin Cancer – Sunburns, especially in childhood, increase lifetime risk of developing melanoma and other skin cancers.
- Premature Aging – UV radiation accelerates aging, wrinkling and pigmentation changes in skin.
- Vision Problems – Photokeratitis is sunburned corneas leading to temporary vision loss.
Using vigilant sun protection and avoiding overexposure can help ward off these potential complications. When symptoms of sun poisoning appear, get out of the sun immediately and receive proper medical treatment as needed.
How is Sun Poisoning Diagnosed?
Doctors can usually diagnose sun poisoning based on symptoms, appearance of the skin, and understanding the timing and duration of sun exposure. They will examine the damaged areas of skin noting the location, color changes, and any blistering or wounds present.
In some cases, they may order blood work or a skin biopsy to rule out other conditions like:
- Sunburns
- Allergic reactions
- Infections
- Underlying rashes or skin disorders
- Skin cancer
But for uncomplicated sun poisoning, no special testing is required. The diagnosis is clinical, based on typical features after too much unprotected sun exposure.
Sun Poisoning vs. Sunburn
Sun poisoning is sometimes confused with an ordinary sunburn since both turn the skin red and painful. But sun poisoning represents a more extreme reaction to excessive UV radiation. Here are some differences:
Sunburn
- Redness, pain, and tenderness in exposed skin after sun exposure
- Usually appears within 2-6 hours of being in the sun
- No blistering or only minor blisters in severe cases
- Peels and fades after 3-5 days
- No chills, fever, or other systemic symptoms
Sun Poisoning
- Extreme redness and pain within hours of sun exposure
- Blistering similar to second-degree burns
- Chills, fever, nausea, and headache
- Dehydration and fatigue
- Symptoms may last 5-7 days or more
- Higher risk of complications like scarring, heatstroke, and skin cancer
So while both involve radiation damage to the skin, sun poisoning causes more severe reactions affecting deeper skin layers and the body as a whole. Prevention through proper sun protection is key to avoiding both conditions.
Preventing Sun Poisoning
Using good sun safety practices can help prevent painful sun poisoning episodes:
Limit Sun Exposure
- Avoid extended sun exposure between 10am-4pm when UV rays are strongest.
- Take breaks in shaded areas if outdoors during peak hours.
- Reschedule activities for early morning or late afternoon when possible.
- Watch the UV index and stay inside if it’s very high that day.
Use Sunscreen
- Apply broad spectrum SPF 30 (or higher) sunscreen 30 minutes before going outdoors.
- Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours and after swimming or sweating.
- Use enough sunscreen – about one ounce to cover all exposed areas.
- Don’t forget easily missed spots like ears, scalp, lips, and back of hands.
- Choose sunscreens with zinc oxide or avobenzone for best broad spectrum protection.
Cover Up
- Wear tightly woven, loose fitting clothing that covers arms and legs.
- Wear a broad brimmed hat to shade the face, neck and ears.
- UV blocking sunglasses protect eyes from damage.
- Stay in the shade of umbrellas or trees whenever possible.
Avoid Tanning Beds
- Tanning lamps emit UV radiation as damaging as the sun.
- Tanning bed use before age 30 raises melanoma risk by 75%.
- Look for self-tanning lotions if seeking a tanned appearance.
Know Your Risk
- Those with fair skin, blonde/red hair, or numerous moles are at higher risk.
- Take extra precautions if taking antibiotics or medications that increase sun sensitivity.
- Infants under 6 months should be kept out of direct sunlight.
- Check skin regularly for any new moles or unusual growths.
Treating Sun Poisoning
If sun poisoning does occur, treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing any complications like dehydration or infection:
- Get out of the sun immediately and avoid any further sun exposure until recovered.
- Cool the skin – Take a cool shower, use cold compresses, or soak in a cool bath.
- Moisturize the skin – Use soothing aloe vera gel or moisturizing cream.
- Over-the-counter remedies – Use hydrocortisone cream, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen to reduce redness, swelling, and pain.
- Drink extra fluids – Stay hydrated with water, electrolyte drinks, or oral rehydration solutions.
- Treat wounds – Gently clean and bandage any blisters or broken skin.
- See a doctor if symptoms are severe, appear infected, or don’t improve within a few days.
Prescription steroid creams, antibiotics, pain medication, or IV fluids may be warranted in more severe cases. Avoid popping blisters which can increase risk of infection. Use caution when showering or bathing to keep wounds clean and don’t remove any peeling or flaking skin prematurely. This provides a natural protective barrier as the deeper layers continue to heal.
Long Term Outlook for Sun Poisoning
With proper first aid treatment, sun poisoning usually resolves within 3-5 days. The top layer of damaged skin will peel off revealing newer skin underneath.
If blistering was severe, swollen areas may take 5-7 days to completely heal. Avoid any further sun exposure until all evidence of redness and tenderness has resolved. The skin will be more vulnerable to burning again for several weeks.
Use diligent sun protection at all times moving forward and schedule annual skin cancer screenings as recommended by your dermatologist. While one episode of sun poisoning won’t necessarily lead to lasting damage or skin cancer, excessive sun exposure over a lifetime significantly increases risks.
Make sun safety part of your daily routine and avoid extended time outdoors during peak UV hours. Being mindful of sun precautions and promptly treating any resulting burns can help prevent painful sun poisoning episodes and potential long term consequences.
Conclusion
Sun poisoning is the body’s severe reaction to a high dose of UV radiation from the sun or artificial tanning. It goes beyond a simple sunburn by causing visible skin damage, systemic symptoms, and greater medical risks. While anyone can get sun poisoning, those with fair skin and a history of sunburns are most susceptible.
Redness, blistering, chills, fever, and nausea shortly after unprotected sun exposure signal sun poisoning. It primarily affects the shoulders, back, face and other areas commonly left uncovered. Prompt treatment helps relieve the painful symptoms and prevent dehydration or infection in the damaged skin. Improving sun safety practices is key to avoiding repeat sun poisoning episodes and potential short and long term health consequences.
