Sunburn or Sun Poisoning

​A sunburn is a red, itchy, or tender skin resulting from unprotected exposure to the sun.  Sun poisoning may initially feel like a sunburn, but it is more serious.  While sunburn can be treated at home, sun poisoning may need treatment from a health care provider.  Both can raise your risk for skin damage and cancer, so take steps to protect yourself from the sun.

Sunburn or Sun Poisoning - Symptoms, Treatment, Risks and More
By Pierre Mouchette | Bits-n-Pieces

​If you have unprotected exposure to the sun, even on a cloudy day, a sunburn can develop.  A common skin problem causes red, itchy, or tender areas.  A more serious condition called sun poisoning can also happen.  This severe sunburn can cause skin blistering, flu-like symptoms, and dehydration.  An individual with sun poisoning may need medical care.  Research suggests that having sunburn anytime in the past raises an individual’s risk of skin cancer.  It also shows that even after sunburn symptoms go away, long-lasting effects of sun damage remain.
 
Sunburn vs. sun poisoning symptoms
Damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays can affect each person differently and impact every exposed body part, even your eyes.  When the skin gets more UV exposure than it can handle, it causes inflammation.  While the symptoms of sunburn are uncomfortable, they are usually mild and treatable at home.  If you get sun poisoning, it does not mean you were ‘poisoned’ by the sun’s UV rays.  It means that you have a severe sunburn.
Symptoms of sunburn start within minutes to hours of UV exposure from the sun.  Common skin changes with a sunburn include:

• Itchiness
• Pain
• Redness
• Sensitivity
• Warmth

You are more likely to have sun poisoning if you have been outside for a long time without sun protection.  Sun poisoning may feel and look like a sunburn at first, but it has severe symptoms.  You may have sun poisoning if you have the following:

• Confusion
• Dehydration
• Dizziness or fainting
• Fever and chills
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Severe swelling, redness, and pain
• Skin blistering
• Skin rash

Sun poisoning can be mistaken for the flu or an allergic reaction to something.  If you are not sure what you are experiencing, seek medical care.  Sun poisoning is severe.  There are over 33,000 emergency room visits because of sunburns every year.
 
Sunburn vs. sun poisoning risks
Anyone can get a sunburn, so it helps to know what increases your risk of developing it.  Some factors that may place you at greater risk include:

• Fair complexion, light-colored eyes
• Geographic region, higher altitude, nearer to the equator
• Medical conditions, such as autoimmune diseases (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis)
• Medications, such as some antibiotics, antidepressants, and diabetes medications

While fair-skinned individuals are at higher risk for sunburn and skin cancer, people of color are at risk, too.
 
How do I prevent sunburn?
According to the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention, skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S.  1 out of every 5 Americans will be diagnosed with it in their lifetime.  Thankfully, sunburn, sun poisoning, and skin cancer are preventable conditions.  To lower your risk for sunburn:

• Apply broad-spectrum, waterproof sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day.
• Avoid the sun between 10 AM and 2 PM.
• Be aware of the reflection of UV rays on water or snow.
• Cover exposed skin with a hat, shirt, pants, and sunglasses.
• Stay out of tanning beds.

A good rule of thumb is to apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside and reapply every 2 hours.
 
Sunburn vs. sun poisoning treatment
Respond quickly to the first signs of sunburn. Take the following steps to treat sunburn discomfort as soon as you can:

• Find shade, ideally indoors.
• Cool the skin with a moist compress, bath, or shower.
• Moisturize damp skin with aloe vera or soy-based lotion.

Lower inflammation with over-the-counter (OTC) medications such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and hydrocortisone cream.

• Allow skin blisters to heal on their own. Do not try to pop them.
• Drink water.
• Wear protective clothing to cover sunburned skin while it heals.

While mild sunburn symptoms (redness, pain, swelling) can be treated at home, sun poisoning may require professional medical attention and treatment.  Seek medical care right away if you experience:

• Confusion
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Severe blistering

Treatment for sun poisoning will depend on the severity of your symptoms.  It may include IV fluids for dehydration, medications for inflammation and pain, or antibiotics to prevent infection.
If your skin starts to blister, put a cold, damp cloth on the area.  As mentioned, blisters help the skin to heal, so avoid picking at or popping them.  Opening blisters can raise your risk for infection and skin scarring.  While your skin is healing, avoid direct sun exposure and alcohol, stay well-hydrated, and wear loose, comfortable clothing.  Be sure to follow the instructions on the label if you take any OTC medications, and contact your health care provider if you have any questions.
Remember, it is more severe if a baby or young child develops symptoms of sun poisoning.  Call your pediatrician or seek medical care if your child develops blisters or experiences headaches, a fever, or nausea.
 
How long do sunburn and sun poisoning take to heal?
The good news is that sunburn symptoms will improve with time.  However, the recovery time will vary person-to-person and depend on the severity of your burn.  A sunburn will typically:

• Last for about 3 to 5 days
• Start within 4 hours of sun exposure
• Worsen in 24 to 36 hours

When it comes to sun poisoning, the recovery process is longer.  Pain typically lasts up to 48 hours, and skin will usually start to peel after 3 to 8 days.  With a severe, blistering burn, your skin may not return to normal for several weeks.