Table of contents:
- Definition
- What is Sun Poisoning?
- How common is Sun Poisoning?
- Signs & symptoms
- What are the signs and symptoms of sun poisoning?
- When should I see a doctor?
- Cause
- What causes Sun Poisoning?
- Risk factors
- What increases my risk for Sun Poisoning?
- Medicines & Medicines
- What are my treatment options for sun poisoning?
- Treatment depends on the specific type of sun allergy you have. For mild cases, just avoiding the sun for a few days may be enough to resolve signs and symptoms.
- What are the usual tests for sun poisoning?
- Home remedies
- What are the lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be done to overcomesun poisoning?
Definition
What is Sun Poisoning?
Sun poisoning, also known as photodermatitis, is an itchy, scaly, reddish feeling of skin that blisters when exposed to sunlight and excessive ultraviolet A (UVA) or B (UVB) rays. This condition takes a few days or longer to subside.
Repeated and intense sun exposure can cause sunburn and increase the risk of other skin damage and certain diseases. These conditions include dry or wrinkled skin, dark spots, rough spots, and skin cancers, such as melanoma.
How common is Sun Poisoning?
Sun poisoning is an allergy so anyone can have it if they are exposed to some chemicals or have certain medical conditions such as eczema or lupus. You can minimize the chances of having this disease by reducing your risk factors. Please discuss with your doctor for more information.
Signs & symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of sun poisoning?
Symptoms include red, dry skin. This condition also has bumpy blisters and a rash. The rash may be painful or itchy.
Long-term effects are thickening of the skin and the presence of scars and an increased risk of skin cancer.
There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.
When should I see a doctor?
Check with your doctor if you have any unusual and irritating skin reactions after sun exposure. Everyone's body is different. Always consult a doctor to treat your health condition.
Cause
What causes Sun Poisoning?
Sensitivity to sun exposure can run in families (genetic). Often times, the cause can be due to chemicals in medicines, cosmetics, and food. Certain diseases, such as lupus and eczema, can also make skin sensitive to light.
Risk factors
What increases my risk for Sun Poisoning?
Certain factors that increase your risk of sun poisoning include:
- History of rheumatic fever
- Untreated strep infection
- Someone in the family has this disease
Having no risk factors doesn't mean you can't get this disease. These factors are for reference only. You should consult your doctor for more details.
Medicines & Medicines
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.
What are my treatment options for sun poisoning?
Treatment depends on the specific type of sun allergy you have. For mild cases, just avoiding the sun for a few days may be enough to resolve signs and symptoms.
Often, creams containing commercially available corticosteroids and those that are prescribed by doctors can be used for severe allergic skin reactions. Corticosteroid pills, such as prednisone may be prescribed by doctors for temporary use in treating severe cases.
Also, avoiding the sun and substances that cause poisoning is very important. If it is in the sun and cannot be avoided, use sunblock for UVA and UVB with an SPF of 15 or more. Be sure to ask your doctor and pharmacist for information about avoiding sun exposure while using any medication.
What are the usual tests for sun poisoning?
The doctor will make a diagnosis from the exposure history and skin examination. Your doctor will review your medications and ask questions about the food you recently consumed to find the cause of your sensitivity to sun exposure.
Home remedies
What are the lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be done to overcomesun poisoning?
Here are the lifestyle and home remedies that can help you deal with sun poisoning:
- Use only the medication prescribed. Avoid exposure to ultraviolet light as much as possible while taking medications such as the antibiotic tetra cycline, sulfa drugs, and thiazide diuretics. This drug causes a greater sensitivity to light
- Use sunscreen, a hat, and long sleeves to minimize the effects of unavoidable exposures
- Avoid fruit-based skin lotions and cosmetics, as they may contain sensitizers as well
- Check with your doctor before using a tanning kit
- Call your doctor if you have a fever or if your symptoms don't get better with medication
If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.
