Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSun Poisoning SymptomsCauses and Risk FactorsTreatmentPreventionPrognosis
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Sun Poisoning Symptoms
Causes and Risk Factors
Treatment
Prevention
Prognosis
Sun poisoning is a form of severesunburn. Beyond red, inflamed, and painful skin, those with sun poisoning also often exhibit other bodily symptoms that may mimic anallergic reaction. Excessive and unprotected exposure to the sun causes sun poisoning.
This article explains sun poisoning symptoms, causes, treatment, and prevention.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoReproduced with permission from © DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See Photo
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
Heat Rash vs. Sun Poisoning: What’s the Difference?
Sunburn symptomsinclude redness, warmth, pain, and swelling.Sun poisoning has severe sunburn symptoms, plus others. Sunburn and sun poisoning symptoms usually start within a few hours of excess sun exposure.
Sun poisoning symptoms include:
While anyone can get sun poisoning if they spend too much time in the sun without appropriate cover and sunscreen, certain people are more susceptible to it.
Lupus
Photosensitivity is an unusual skin reaction to sunlight and a well-documentedlupus symptom.Up to 60% of people with this autoimmune disease experience photosensitivity.People with lupus should take extra precautions to stay covered and use sunscreen—even on overcast days.
Eczema
Polymorphous Light Eruption
Polymorphouslight (PML) eruption is a skin disorder in which people can only tolerate very short amounts of exposure to sunlight (usually 30 minutes) before breaking out into a rash.People with PML must be cautious, avoiding sunlight during maximum intensity, which is late morning through early afternoon, and always wearing sunscreen and clothing that covers the skin.
Xeroderma Pigmentosum
Xeroderma pigmentosum(XP) is a disease that causes extreme sensitivity to UV light, occurring in about 1 in 1 million people in the United States.As a result, people with XP are more likely to experience severe sunburns and are, therefore, at a higher likelihood of gettingskin cancer. Therefore, people with this condition must take extreme precautions when in the sun to prevent skin damage and prolong life.
Certain Medications
Photosensitivity reactions to medicationsmay increase the risk of sun poisoning. These types of drugs include:
If you take any medications, review the side effects carefully and talk to a healthcare provider about precautions you should take in the sun.
The type of treatment you receive for sun poisoning depends on the severity. Some at-home remedies can keep you comfortable, while medical attention may be required to prevent infection or replenish fluids.
Unfortunately, there is no fast way to cure sun poisoning; like sunburn, you will have to wait for your skin to heal and your immune system to calm down. The good news is you can do plenty of things to ease the discomfort as your body heals.
At-home care includes:
Medical care may involve:
In addition, you should avoid alcohol, wear loose clothing, and avoid popping blisters.
When to Seek Medical AttentionIf you experience symptoms of sun poisoning, it’s best to seek medical advice. That is especially true if you experience the following:Severe sunburns covering more than 15% of your bodyDehydrationFever over 101 FExtreme pain that lasts longer than 48 hours
When to Seek Medical Attention
If you experience symptoms of sun poisoning, it’s best to seek medical advice. That is especially true if you experience the following:Severe sunburns covering more than 15% of your bodyDehydrationFever over 101 FExtreme pain that lasts longer than 48 hours
If you experience symptoms of sun poisoning, it’s best to seek medical advice. That is especially true if you experience the following:
How to Treat a Sunburn
Sun poisoning is entirely preventable. You can prevent sun poisoning and sunburn in the following ways:
Remember that UV rays can be dangerous even on cloudy days. So use as many prevention strategies as possible any day you are outside, regardless of the weather.
Most of the time, sun poisoning and sunburn heal with comfort measures and time. However, there is an immediate risk of dehydration andshock, which is why medical advice is essential. In addition, your skin can become infected, especially if you scratch or peel the affected skin.
The long-term consequence of sun poisoning is an increased risk ofskin cancer. Exposure to UV rays is a significant risk factor for developingmelanoma, the most severe skin cancer. Melanoma on the trunk and legs has been linked to frequent sunburns, especially in childhood.
4 Dermatologists Share Tips for Preventing Skin Cancer Year-Round
Summary
In addition to red, inflamed, painful skin, sun poisoning is a severe sunburn that may include other body-wide symptoms. These symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, headache, fever, and dehydration. Sun poisoning can be serious, so seek medical attention if you experience symptoms. People with lupus, eczema, and certain photosensitive skin conditions are more susceptible to sun poisoning. Some medications can increase the risk, as well. Therefore, implementing safe sun practices, like always wearing sunscreen, staying in the shade, and wearing clothing that covers your skin, is so important.
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11 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Sun safety facts.American Family Care Health Centers.Sun poisoning: Causes, treatment, and when to see a doctor.University of Pittsburg Medical Center.Sun poisoning dangers: Symptoms, treatment, and prevention.Kim A, Chong BF.Photosensitivity in cutaneous lupus erythematosus.Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed. 2013;29(1):4-11. doi:10.1111/phpp.12018University of Michigan Health Lab.Skin’s immune ‘alarm’ may explain light-induced rashes in lupus patients.National Eczema Society.Sun and eczema.American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Polymorphous light eruption.Black JO.Xeroderma pigmentosum.Head Neck Pathol. 2016;10(2):139-144. doi:10.1007/s12105-016-0707-8Wisconsin Department of Health Services.Medications and other agents that increase sensitivity to light.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Sun safety.American Cancer Society.Risk factors for melanoma skin cancer.
11 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Sun safety facts.American Family Care Health Centers.Sun poisoning: Causes, treatment, and when to see a doctor.University of Pittsburg Medical Center.Sun poisoning dangers: Symptoms, treatment, and prevention.Kim A, Chong BF.Photosensitivity in cutaneous lupus erythematosus.Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed. 2013;29(1):4-11. doi:10.1111/phpp.12018University of Michigan Health Lab.Skin’s immune ‘alarm’ may explain light-induced rashes in lupus patients.National Eczema Society.Sun and eczema.American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Polymorphous light eruption.Black JO.Xeroderma pigmentosum.Head Neck Pathol. 2016;10(2):139-144. doi:10.1007/s12105-016-0707-8Wisconsin Department of Health Services.Medications and other agents that increase sensitivity to light.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Sun safety.American Cancer Society.Risk factors for melanoma skin cancer.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Sun safety facts.American Family Care Health Centers.Sun poisoning: Causes, treatment, and when to see a doctor.University of Pittsburg Medical Center.Sun poisoning dangers: Symptoms, treatment, and prevention.Kim A, Chong BF.Photosensitivity in cutaneous lupus erythematosus.Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed. 2013;29(1):4-11. doi:10.1111/phpp.12018University of Michigan Health Lab.Skin’s immune ‘alarm’ may explain light-induced rashes in lupus patients.National Eczema Society.Sun and eczema.American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Polymorphous light eruption.Black JO.Xeroderma pigmentosum.Head Neck Pathol. 2016;10(2):139-144. doi:10.1007/s12105-016-0707-8Wisconsin Department of Health Services.Medications and other agents that increase sensitivity to light.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Sun safety.American Cancer Society.Risk factors for melanoma skin cancer.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Sun safety facts.
American Family Care Health Centers.Sun poisoning: Causes, treatment, and when to see a doctor.
University of Pittsburg Medical Center.Sun poisoning dangers: Symptoms, treatment, and prevention.
Kim A, Chong BF.Photosensitivity in cutaneous lupus erythematosus.Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed. 2013;29(1):4-11. doi:10.1111/phpp.12018
University of Michigan Health Lab.Skin’s immune ‘alarm’ may explain light-induced rashes in lupus patients.
National Eczema Society.Sun and eczema.
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Polymorphous light eruption.
Black JO.Xeroderma pigmentosum.Head Neck Pathol. 2016;10(2):139-144. doi:10.1007/s12105-016-0707-8
Wisconsin Department of Health Services.Medications and other agents that increase sensitivity to light.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Sun safety.
American Cancer Society.Risk factors for melanoma skin cancer.
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