Sun Poisoning

Sun poisoning is similar to sunburn and the two are medically categorized as photodermatitis. A sunburn is the skin's allergic response when it has been exposed to high levels of sun light. For all useful reasons, most people regard these 3 conditions differently, with sun poisoning being the more significant of the 2 .

The pigments in your skin grant you some natural shield against the sun, and sunblock adds to this protection. But once this shield is beyond its threshold, the sun begins to burn and hurt your skin. Many people experience the most painful of sunburn symptoms 24 hours after the burn occurred and this can take weeks to completely heal.

Sun poisoning usually involves a sunburn but also symptoms like nausea, dizziness, headache or fever. Usually at this point a person has also become dehydrated and might feel light-headed and have difficultly thinking straight. Children, the elderly and pregnant women are much more vulnerable to sun poisoning, as are people who are hypoglycemic or are very out of shape.

Some people are particularly sensitive to sun light and their skin forms a rash from UV exposure. This is known as polymorphous light eruption or PLE and occurs frequently right at the beginning of warm weather after a long period where people were extremely deprived of sunlight. In this situation, sunburn may not have to occur for these symptoms to be experienced.

The best method to avoid the negative effects from the sun if you are spending the day outside is to protect yourself with sunblock and clothing and to seek shade. If you are vulnerable to suffering from the nausea and light-headedness of sun poisoning, try breaking up your sun exposure with visits indoors or at the very least, breaks spent in the shade. Staying hydrated by drinking a lot of fluids is essential.

If you are especially photosensitive, you will need to take additional measures such as wearing sunblock on most days and being very aware of when you are exposed to the sun. And also be conscience of the sun exposure you get from being in automobiles or in sunny offices because glass windows provide no sun protection. If this has happened to you, think about storing sunblock both in your car and at your job.

You can learn additional information regarding sun poisoning and additional skincare matters.