What is Sun Poisoning?
We had such beautiful weather yesterday. So, I decided to go to the beach all by myself and soak up some sun, maybe tan my white legs. I arrived and the beach was surprisingly empty. I found my spot right near the water but still up on the sand enough so that I didn’t get soaking wet. It was breezy and very sunny, lying there was so comfortable, it took my mind off of all of the stress of this past week. Maybe I got a little too comfortable, because I fell asleep. Yep! Right there in my beach chair. Needless to say, when I woke up, I was in pain. My skin felt really tight and even as the sun was setting as it shone upon my skin it hurt, and it was HOT. This did not feel normal. So, I rushed back to my car with my belongings. On the ride home it got worse. Nothing could alleviate this feeling. I felt nauseous, dizzy, thirsty, and most of all my skin felt horrible! So, upon getting back from the ER, here’s what I found – Sun Poisoning! Be careful out there.. I’m going to post a few facts
In order to understand and begin treating a sun poisoning rash, it is important to understand the root of the problem. Sun poisoning is usually a non-medical term that describes a variety of allergic reactions to the sun. Those with fair skin are especially susceptible to these allergies since they have a shortage of skin pigmentation to protect them. However it can happen to anyone who has enough exposure to sunlight. This condition and its accompanying rash is more often than not caused by sun exposure in combination with chemicals, cosmetics, plants, or drugs used on the skin or internally. Sun poisoning can be categorized with sunburn, and many people use the term interchangeably.
Sun poisoning is something of a generic term that can refer to several different conditions. In some cases, long exposure to the sun can lead to not only sunburns but also blistering of the skin. Other symptoms like nausea, headache or dizziness may occur, and people may have electrolyte imbalance. When these additional symptoms occur with sunburn, they may be labeled sun poisoning, though this is not necessarily medically accurate. They may also indicate the beginning of extreme dehydration, and people should respond by getting out of the sun, getting proper liquids and looking for signs of heat exhaustion and sunstroke. If there is severe nausea or pain present, you should not just rest but get to a doctor or an emergency room immediately for medical treatment. Sometimes sun poisoning is mentioned in an entirely different context, when the condition, polymorphous light eruption (PLE) is being discussed. The main symptom of PLE, which is a reaction to UV rays, is a rash that may have
Sun poisoning is referred to as an allergic reaction developed to overexposure to the sun. It affects the skin areas that are most exposed to sunlight. It results from the fundamental changes in the skins capability to withstand the sunrays. It may be associated with certain medications or skin creams. Causes of Sun Poisoning An exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun for a prolonged time is the main cause of sun poisoning. It is more frequently seen during the hot summer, when UV rays are the strongest. Light-skinned people contain little amount of protective melanin pigments. As a result, they are more prone to sun poisoning. However, every person who is excessively exposed to sunlight may suffer from sun poisoning symptoms. The chances of sun poisoning increase when sun exposure is accompanied by the use of a variety of chemicals, drugs and cosmetics. Use of certain drugs such as sulfa-containing drugs, different tranquilizers, medication for hypertension, medications for diabe
