Sun Poisoning Treatment, Types, Symptoms, And Prevention

Cool your sunburned, itchy skin down with powerful, soothing natural ingredients.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Madhuri Agarwal, MBBS, MD

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• Mar 14, 2024

Image: Shutterstock

Anyone would love to soak in the warm rays of the sun and get some vitamin D, but it also brings along some worries, like sun poisoning or severe sunburn. If you are sensitive to the sun, sun poisoning treatments may help manage the symptoms.

This condition is also called polymorphic light eruption. When you are allergic to the sun, you may develop sun rashes or get a sunburn. This article will help you learn more about sun poisoning, its causes, symptoms, and treatments. Keep reading.

In This Article

Sun Poisoning And Its Complications

Sun poisoning shows up as an allergic reaction due to excessive sun exposure

Image: Shutterstock

Sun poisoning can be mistaken for a sunburn easily as they have similar symptoms. What sets them apart is that sunburns are an adverse effect of spending too much time in the sun. Also, sunburns are easier to treat. However, sun poisoning is more of an allergic response and is rare, though a bad sunburn can be considered a symptom of this condition.

The worry about this condition is that it is still relatively unknown, and if left untreated for prolonged periods, it can be extremely serious. This is because the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can penetrate the skin and cause burns, DNA damage, aging, sunspots, and melanomas (cancer).

When exposed to the sun, the brown pigments in your skin, called melanin, increase due to UV absorption and protect the skin from burning. But, this is only up to a certain extent.

If the exposure is prolonged, the cells that have been absorbing the UV rays may self-destruct due to the amount of UV damage. This triggers the body’s automatic reaction to repair, leading to inflammation. So over the course of a few hours, it begins to look like a burn. In severe cases, it develops blisters.

UV damage is no joke because sometimes a cell that cannot recover may turn cancerous. So, sun poisoning absolutely needs medical attention.

Learn all about the different types of sun poisoning in the next section.

Types Of Sun Poisoning

There are variations in this condition based on your skin’s reaction to sunlight.

1. Polymorphous Light Eruption (PMLE)

Woman showing a polymorphous light eruption rash

Image: Shutterstock

For people who are not used to exposure to direct sunlight, Polymorphous Light Eruption may be the one to look out for. It has no exact cause, but certain people who live in northern regions are more likely to experience PLME when in tropical climates.

PLME usually flares up in the first few times of exposure and resolves over the summer as the skin gets used to it. Its symptoms are rashes, bumps, and itchiness that usually go away on their own.

2. Solar Urticaria

Image: Shutterstock

With this type, you may experience the symptoms within a few minutes of sun exposure. The symptoms include hives, wheezing, burning, itchiness, and unconsciousness. This may flare up time and again throughout the year. It is best to see a doctor for the management of solar urticariaⁱXA rash that causes raised itchy, red bumps across the skin as a reaction to an allergen, adrenalin, or a health condition. .

Let’s look at some other signs and symptoms of sun poisoning below so that you can detect the condition and get the appropriate treatment on time.

How To Detect Sun Poisoning

UV protected skin vs. normal skin with no UV protection to show Sun Poisoning symptoms

Image: Shutterstock

Sun poisoning may be acute or chronic. In acute cases, it is short-term and can resolve quickly. In chronic cases, there could be an underlying condition causing it and making it last for longer periods.

Its symptoms can vary, depending on the amount of exposure. But most commonly, it feels like an allergic reaction. Some common symptoms are:

Itchy skin
Erythema (Skin redness)
Exfoliation of skin
UrticariaⁱXA rash that causes raised itchy, red bumps across the skin as a reaction to an allergen, adrenalin, or a health condition. -like lesions
Blisters
Swollen
Painful skin
Peeling skin
Hyperpigmentation

In more severe cases, one might experience:

Fever
Nausea
Headaches
Dehydration
Confusion
Dizziness

Along with a severe sunburn, you may feel as if you are coming down with the flu. If you notice any of the above symptoms after a sunburn, contact a healthcare professional immediately.

Next, let us look at some treatment options that can provide you with relief from sun poisoning.

Sun Poisoning Treatments

Most sun poisoning treatments involve treating the affected areas and hydration. Depending on how severe it is, your doctor may prescribe the following treatments:

1. Aloe Vera

Use aloe vera to soothe sun poisoning symptoms

Image: Shutterstock

This cooling plant’s gel has been used for years to treat wounds and skin issues. It has been observed to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can be beneficial for sunburned skin. It may also soothe the affected areas and provide some relief. However, in certain cases, aloe vera may cause irritation. Make sure you conduct a patch test before using aloe vera liberally on sun-damaged skin.

2. Cool Compresses

An ice pack or a cold, wet towel may help you by soothing inflammation and providing pain relief. Be sure not to use ice directly on the skin, and avoid icing the area for more than 20 minutes.

Quick Tip

You can also take a cool bath or shower to soothe the inflammation and blisters.

3. Hydration

With dehydration, you tend to lose important body salts that can be replenished with IV fluids. If you are not severely dehydrated, be sure to rehydrate your body with plenty of water and an oral rehydration solution.

4. Steroid Creams

Your doctor may prescribe a steroid ointment to creams to reduce the pain and course of the sunburn, but they only work for a short period. They are commonly stated as a line of treatment, though more studies are needed to back this claim.

5. Antibiotics

If you develop lesions or blisters, there is a chance you may be prescribed antibiotics to prevent any infection from developing in the affected areas. This is helpful as the blisters may leave the skin exposed.

6. Light Therapy

While it may sound counterproductive, it can be helpful in certain cases. For some people, controlled exposure to a different UV light may help the skin become less sensitive to it. For others, it may help by speeding up the healing process and reducing the pain. Light therapy is known to also control the growth of damaged cells. However, not a lot of research has been conducted to back this claim.

7. Dressing

Proper dressing of the burn wounds can help with the overall healing of the affected areas. Depending on the severity of the burn, your doctor will use the appropriate dressing. This also lowers the chances of it getting infected.

8. Drug Therapy

This differs from situation to situation and person to person. Depending on the severity and cause of your sun poisoning, the doctor may prescribe certain medications to keep the symptoms under control. Additionally, you may also be prescribed medication as a course of treatment in case it is chronic.

9. Nutrition

You may be prescribed certain supplements to help your body recover. While nutritional support for this skin condition requires more studies, certain vitamins like vitamin C can help with antioxidant support for tissue damage. But it is essential to follow a good diet that is high in nutrients to give your body all the boost it needs as it heals.

Joyce, a blogger, shared the different remedies she tried out to soothe the pain of sun poisoning. She writes, “I was using the aloe gel but it wasn’t helping enough. One of my friends recommended mustard, against the advice of another friend who said he had learned that mustard was just an old wives tale (i).” She continues, “I can say, quite honestly, that it helped me significantly. It didn’t take away all the pain, but it lessened it greatly.”

Prevention is always better than cure, especially when it comes to sun poisoning. Keep reading to learn some ways to avoid this condition.

Preventing Sun Poisoning

1. Reduced Sun Exposure

The longer you stay in the sun, the more susceptible you are to sun-damaged skin and sun poisoning. So, try to reduce your exposure to the sun as much as possible. Stay in shady areas when you are out during the day.

If you want to catch some sun, be mindful of the time of the day. Try to avoid the sun between 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. because this is when the sun rays are the strongest. Also, do check the UV index of your area online when planning a day out. A small step like this could make a huge difference.

2. Sunscreen And Protectants

If you are going to be out in the sun, it is integral to use at least 1 shot glass worth of sunblock on your body and 1/2 teaspoon worth of sunblock on your face and neck. This is a non-negotiable skin care step for protection against harmful UV radiation. In addition, if you are under direct light (sunbathing) or swimming, reapply it every 2 hours. Otherwise, reapply it every 4 hours.

Along with sunblock, use UVPF clothing, hats, gloves, and shades when stepping out.

Quick Tip

Ensure you apply sunscreen 15 minutes before stepping out into the sun.

Related: How To Choose Sunscreen

3. Caution With Medication

Certain medications make your skin more sensitive to the sun, including birth control, isotretinoinⁱXA retinoid that impacts the sebaceous glands to treat acute cystic acne that does not respond to other medications. , and topical acids that you use for exfoliation. Do your research when using any medication, and be sure to take extra steps in terms of prevention.

4. Avoid Tanning Beds

Most experts recommend avoiding tanning beds as they use UV lights, which are the main culprits of sun poisoning.

As noted, certain people are more vulnerable to developing this severe condition. Find out who is most at risk in the section below.

Who Is At Risk Of Sun Poisoning?

You are more likely to get sun poisoning if you fall in any one of the following categories:

Fair-skinned people, regardless of ethnicity
People on antibiotics
Cancer patients
People who reside in high altitudes
People who frequently indulge in beach and snow activities
People using certain topical medication/creams
People with conditions like eczema and lupus

Infographic: 5 Easy Ways To Treat Sun Poisoning

While basking in the sun gives you that gorgeous tan and glow, spending long hours being exposed to harsh UV rays may lead to severe sun poisoning. If you have sensitive skin or are simply allergic, it is time to bookmark the easiest ways to treat this common problem. Check out the infographic below for 5 easy ways to combat sun poisoning.

5 easy ways to treat sun poisoning (infographic)

You may develop sun rashes or acquire a sunburn if you are allergic to the sun. Sun poisoning is a dangerous condition. It should not be taken lightly, especially if it is linked to severe sunburns. Repeated sunburns have been linked to an increased risk of skin cancer, so avoid the sun as much as possible. And when going outside, wear UVPF clothes, hats, gloves, and sunglasses in addition to sunscreen. Remember that you cannot treat sun poisoning at home, so get medical assistance right away if you detect any of the symptoms outlined in this article.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hydrocortisone good for sun poisoning?

HydrocortisoneⁱXA steroid medication that helps reduce redness, swelling, and itching by triggering natural chemicals in the skin. may reduce the redness caused by sun poisoning. However, it is always wise to consult a dermatologist before applying it.

What’s the difference between sun poisoning and heat stroke?

While sun poisoning is a severe case of sunburn leading to various internal and external symptoms, heatstroke is a medical emergency when the body stops regulating its internal temperature due to overheating.

Is zinc oxide good for sun poisoning?

Zinc oxide may be good for preventing sun poisoning as it provides UV protection (6). However, it is safer to consult a dermatologist before using it.

Does prednisone help sun poisoning?

Systemic corticosteroids like prednisone may be used to manage inflammation (7). However, one must consult a dermatologist before using it to treat inflammation caused by sun poisoning.

Key Takeaways

Sun poisoning is a serious condition more similar to an allergic reaction than a sunburn.
Extended periods of exposure can be serious as the sun rays can lead to cancer, aging, and burns.
Treating sun poisoning typically involves applying aloe vera and cool compresses or dressing the burns.

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Learn to recognize the symptoms and protect your skin from sun exposure. Watch this video to stay informed and safeguard your health with some valuable insights.

Personal Experience: Source

StyleCraze's articles are interwoven with authentic personal narratives that provide depth and resonance to our content. Below are the sources of the personal accounts referenced in this article.

i. Our Sunburn Remedies
http://www.childhoodbeckons.com/2011/07/our-sunburn-remedies.html

References

Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.