Sun Poisoning Symptoms

Most of us experience itchiness, redness of the skin, rashes, or blisters on the skin, with prolonged exposure to the sun. Some of us may also get fatigued, nausea; vomiting, etc. These are the warning signs that indicate sun poisoning. Sun poisoning refers to an allergic reaction which develops with prolonged exposure to the sun. This is associated with changes in the capability of the skin to withstand the rays of the sun. However, it may also be linked with certain medications or skin creams.

What Causes Sun Poisoning?

Sun poisoning is basically caused by prolonged exposure to the strong and harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun. It occurs most commonly in hot summers when the ultraviolet rays are the strongest. Moreover, light-skinned people are more at risk of suffering from sun poisoning. This is due to less amount of protective melanin pigment.

However, it can affect anyone who spends long hours in the sun. The risk of having sun poisoning increases drastically by the use of certain chemicals, drugs, and cosmetics. Drugs, such as sulfa-containing drugs, tranquilizers, anti-hypertensives, drugs used for diabetes mellitus, anti-fungal, and birth control pills, can trigger sun poisoning.

Also, direct contact with substances like detergents, deodorant bar soaps, shampoos certain cosmetics and toiletries, followed by the exposure to sun rays may lead to sun poison as well. In addition, certain chemicals that are found in vegetables and fruits can also be responsible for the specific photosensitive reactions.

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Symptoms:

Sun poisoning is of two types. In the first type, the skin reacts to the sun rays by having red, bumpy skin associated with rashes. Whereas in the second type, heat stroke, sunstroke, and heat prostration occur. This is because of dehydration and the loss of electrolytes that occurs in sun poisoning.

The severity of the symptoms produced by sun poisoning depends on the duration of the exposure to the ultraviolet rays, the intensity of the sun rays, as well as the capacity of the body to withstand the sunrays. These symptoms may appear to be either mild or pretty severe.

Some of the common symptoms of sun poison that are produced include the following:

• Redness of the skin
• Tenderness of the skin
• Red skin rash
• Itching blister formation
• Fever
• Chills
• Flu-like symptoms
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fatigue
• Dehydration
• Dizziness
• Loss of fluid
• Electrolyte imbalance

Excess exposure can also lead to deterioration and damage to the skin. In severe cases, sun poisoning may also lead to premature aging, wrinkle formation, and skin cancer in some cases.
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