Spending time outdoors and basking in the warmth of the sun is a favorite pastime for many people. However, overexposure to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays can lead to a condition known as sun poisoning.

Sun poisoning is essentially a severe sunburn that can cause a range of symptoms, from mild to severe. Understanding the symptoms of sun poisoning is important in order to take appropriate measures to prevent and treat this condition.

Symptom 1: Severe Sunburn

The primary symptom of sun poisoning is an intense sunburn. Unlike a regular sunburn, sun poisoning affects not only the outermost layer of the skin but also the deeper layers. This can result in an extremely painful, red, and blistering sunburn.

The affected areas may also feel hot to the touch.

Symptom 2: Skin Redness

One of the first signs of sun poisoning is skin redness. The affected areas may appear significantly redder and more inflamed than a regular sunburn. The redness may spread beyond the exposed areas and may be accompanied by tenderness or pain.

Symptom 3: Swelling

Sun poisoning can cause swelling in the affected areas. The skin may become visibly swollen and feel puffy and tight. Swelling is a result of the body’s inflammation response to the damage caused by UV rays.

Symptom 4: Itching and Skin Sensitivity

The sunburned skin may feel incredibly itchy and sensitive. Even gentle touch or clothing rubbing against the affected area can cause discomfort. Excessive scratching can lead to further skin damage and increase the risk of infection.

Symptom 5: Peeling and Flaking

As sunburned skin starts to heal, it often begins to peel and flake. The damaged skin cells shed as the body tries to regenerate new, healthy cells. Peeling can be quite severe in cases of sun poisoning.

Symptom 6: Blisters

In severe cases of sun poisoning, fluid-filled blisters may form on the affected skin. These blisters can be large and painful. It’s important to avoid popping or breaking the blisters, as it can increase the risk of infection.

Symptom 7: Headache and Dizziness

In some cases, sun poisoning can cause systemic symptoms such as headache and dizziness. These symptoms may be indicators of dehydration and overheating, which can occur when the body is unable to regulate its temperature due to excessive sun exposure.

Symptom 8: Nausea and Vomiting

Severe cases of sun poisoning can lead to nausea and vomiting. The body’s response to extensive sunburn and inflammation can cause a general feeling of illness and discomfort, often accompanied by gastrointestinal symptoms.

Symptom 9: Fever and Chills

In rare cases, sun poisoning can cause an elevated body temperature, resulting in fever and chills. Fever is a sign that the body is responding to the sunburn as an injury and trying to fight off any potential infections.

Symptom 10: Fatigue and Weakness

Feeling tired, weak, and fatigued is another symptom of sun poisoning. The body diverts energy to repair and heal the damaged skin, which can leave a person feeling drained and lethargic.

Conclusion

Sun poisoning is a severe form of sunburn caused by excessive exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays.

The symptoms of sun poisoning can range from mild to severe, including severe sunburn, skin redness, swelling, itching, peeling, blisters, headache, dizziness, nausea, fever, and fatigue. It is important to protect yourself from sunburn and take appropriate measures to prevent sun poisoning by using sunscreen, seeking shade, and wearing protective clothing.

If you experience symptoms of sun poisoning, it is essential to seek medical attention to receive proper treatment and prevent any complications.