Key Takeaways
- A sunburn is a reaction that occurs when the skin is overexposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, causing the skin to become inflamed and painful.
- Sun poisoning is a serious form of sunburn caused by spending too much time in the sun without adequate protection and is usually accompanied by non-cutaneous symptoms such as headache, fever and nausea.
- The best way to prevent sunburn and sun poisoning is to avoid the sun, especially during peak hours, stay hydrated, wear protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts and pants, and apply sunscreen.
You probably know what a sunburn looks and feels like, either because you forgot to apply sunscreen or because you spent too much time outside soaking up the sun.
Although sunburn is common (about one-third of American adults experience at least one sunburn each year), it can also be very serious. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, getting more than five sunburns in your lifetime more than doubles your risk of developing melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer.
If your sunburn is particularly severe, it can cause a phenomenon known as sun poisoning. This can make you sick and cause blisters, painful red sores, and other health problems.
Here's how to tell if you have a sunburn or sun poisoning, what symptoms to look out for, and expert-backed tips to prevent it this summer.
How is sunburn different from workaholism?
Sunburn and sun poisoning are both types of skin damage caused by overexposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. But the severity and symptoms vary, says Dr. Elizabeth Geddes-Bruce, a dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology in Austin, Texas.
Sunburns are usually not very severe, but they can present as painful symptoms where the skin is red and sore or feels hot to the touch, and may be accompanied by swelling, dryness and peeling while it heals, Geddes-Bruce said. In some cases, blisters may form after several hours or days.
Although sun poisoning looks similar to sunburn, shares similar symptoms and may feel tender to the touch, sun poisoning is actually “an extreme form of sunburn,” Geddes-Bruce said. “We think of sunburn as a spectrum, and sun poisoning is at the far end of the spectrum.”
Sun poisoning can also cause more intense symptoms beyond the skin, including headaches, dizziness, and nausea, Dr. Anisha Patel, associate professor of dermatology at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, told Verywell in an email. Other symptoms include blisters, severe pain, swelling, fever or chills, dehydration, and even skin infections.
“Sunburn and sun poisoning may seem similar, but the latter is more severe and typically causes swelling and blisters,” Patel said. “The main difference is the systemic symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, nausea and rapid heartbeat.”
How do you get sun poisoning and who is at risk?
Sun poisoning occurs when a person is exposed to the sun for an extended period of time, with or without wearing protection such as clothing, a hat, sunscreen or shade, exposing the skin to too much UV radiation, Geddes-Bruce said. Patel adds that it can also happen if you're not properly hydrated.
According to Geddes-Bruce and Patel, people at risk for sun poisoning include:
- Those with lighter or brighter skin tones.
- Individuals who have recently experienced sunburn and continue to spend time outdoors.
- Vulnerable groups, including infants and toddlers who have sensitive skin and are unable to express discomfort or seek shade on their own.
- People taking certain medications that increase the risk of sunburn, such as antibiotics, painkillers, and certain blood pressure medications.
- Outdoor workers, especially those exposed to peak sunlight from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Individuals who spend time in the sun without applying sunscreen or wearing protective clothing.
- People who use indoor tanning beds.
While some people may be more susceptible to sunburn or sun poisoning, Patel said it's important to understand that anyone can get sunburned or experience these serious effects, regardless of skin type.
What should I do if I have sun poisoning?
Most people who experience sunburn or develop sun poisoning can manage their symptoms at home by staying hydrated, getting rest, avoiding additional sun exposure, and using over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen to manage pain, Patel said. said.
Other self-care methods include applying cold compresses and cooling creams, which help repair the barrier and prevent additional moisture from escaping the skin, Geddes-Bruce said. “One commonly used one is aloe vera, which can also help with discomfort.”
If you have a high fever, mental confusion, or symptoms of dehydration that do not improve with fluids and rest, Geddes-Bruce recommends seeking medical attention. You should also see your health care provider if you have blisters and symptoms such as bright red, oozing skin, severe pain, fever, extreme cold, shivering, headache, nausea, or vomiting.
A doctor can provide adequate hydration and wound care, Geddes-Bruce said. If you develop a skin infection, you may be prescribed medications, antibacterial wound creams, or oral antibiotics to help manage your symptoms. If you are experiencing severe dehydration, intravenous (IV) treatment may also be provided, Patel added.
How to prevent sunburn and workaholism
According to Patel, the best way to prevent sunburn and sun poisoning is to avoid the sun or minimize the time you spend in the sun, especially during the hottest hours of the day.
If you must be outdoors, try these tips to protect yourself from sunburn and sun poisoning.
- Find shade or limit time in direct sunlight. Avoid going out or staying in the shade during the hottest hours of the day, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Wear protective clothing and equipment. Protect your skin from the sun by covering yourself with a long-sleeved shirt, pants, and a wide-brimmed hat. You'll also want to protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses that block 100% of UV rays.
- Apply and reapply sunscreen throughout the day. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and reapply every two hours or more if you swim or sweat.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to prevent dehydration. Staying hydrated can help replenish lost fluids and replenish electrolytes, and can also help your skin recover from sun exposure.
- Avoid tanning beds. Avoid using indoor tanning beds as they emit harmful UV rays that can damage your skin.
What this means to you
Both sunburn and sun poisoning are caused by overexposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays, but their severity and symptoms differ. If you suspect either one, manage your symptoms by avoiding further sun exposure, resting at home, and staying hydrated. Experts recommend seeking appropriate treatment if symptoms such as dehydration, fever, and mental confusion do not improve.