Sunlight poisoning leads to sunburn on the skin, which can result in pain, fever, nausea, dehydration, and confusion.
Sunlight poisoning is a severe sunburn condition that occurs when ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun damage skin cells, causing inflammation that leads to symptoms such as redness, blisters, chills, fever, nausea, pain, rash, peeling skin, rapid pulse and breathing, fatigue, unconsciousness, dehydration, and more.
Individuals with fair skin are more susceptible to sunlight poisoning than those with darker skin due to having less melanin. Melanin is the brown pigment produced by the body to block harmful UV rays and protect the skin.
Sunlight poisoning occurs when exposure to UV rays exceeds the protective capacity of melanin in the skin. Symptoms typically develop within a few hours and peak approximately 6-48 hours after sun exposure.
If you experience this condition, the first step is to find shade or stay indoors until symptoms subside. Some self-care measures that can alleviate symptoms of sunlight poisoning include:
- Cooling the skin: Take a cool bath or apply a wet, cool cloth to the affected skin area.
- Using over-the-counter pain relievers can help reduce mild to moderate pain.
- Staying hydrated: Sunlight poisoning causes the body to draw fluids from other areas to supply moisture to the skin. Drinking plenty of water helps replenish lost fluids and can prevent dehydration.
- Avoid popping or scratching blisters that form on sunburned skin, as this increases the risk of bacterial skin infections.
- Moisturizing: Hydrate the skin with lotion or aloe vera gel.
- Wearing loose clothing to avoid irritating the skin and worsening symptoms.
Symptoms can last from a few days to several weeks. If the condition becomes severe, medical treatment may be necessary, such as intravenous fluids to replenish lost fluids and electrolytes, oral steroids to reduce inflammation, or prescription pain medications.
Sunlight poisoning is most common in tropical climates and during times when people are exposed to the sun more frequently. Anyone can experience this condition if they spend too much time in the sun without protection and proper sunscreen application. However, individuals with pre-existing skin conditions such as lupus or eczema are more prone to sunlight poisoning.
Excessive exposure to UV rays increases the risk of sunlight poisoning. (Photo: Anh Ngọc).
Proactively protecting the skin from UV rays is the best way to avoid or prevent sunlight poisoning. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher to all exposed skin at least 20 minutes before going outdoors. Reapply every two hours and after heavy sweating or swimming.
Limit outdoor activities, especially during peak sunlight hours from 10 AM to 4 PM. Wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.
People often confuse heat rash with sunlight poisoning because both occur in hot and humid conditions and exhibit similar skin symptoms. However, sunlight poisoning can affect the entire body, not just the areas prone to sweating like heat rash, and can be more severe if left untreated.
Patients should seek medical attention as soon as possible if experiencing confusion, fainting, fever and chills, headache, nausea or vomiting, severe blistering, or sunburn affecting more than 15% of the body.
