Distinguishing between sunburn and sun poisoning
Sunburn occurs when the skin is damaged by prolonged exposure to unprotected UV rays. Sun poisoning is a more serious condition, combining sunburn with too much heat and dehydration.
According to Dr. Katlein Franca, a dermatologist at the University of Miami (USA): Sunscreens only affect the skin, but sun poisoning can affect the entire body, causing fatigue, fever, nausea and dizziness. If not handled promptly, this situation could become dangerous".
Recognizable signs
Sunburn: Red or dark skin, swelling, pain when touched, sensitivity to temperature, can swell or peel.
Sun poisoning: Includes all symptoms of sunburn accompanied by fatigue, sleepiness, nausea, fever, dizziness.
People with bright skin, red, yellow or light brown hair are more likely to develop this condition. However, people with dark skin are also at risk of skin damage if they are exposed to the sun for a long time. Risk factors include: drinking alcohol (causing dehydration), in high ground or where the ozone layer is thin, history of skin cancer, working outdoors without protection.
Some drugs and supplements that increase skin sensitivity to sunlight, such as: retinoids to treat acne, doxycycline/tetracycline antibiotics, NSAIDs (ibuprofen), thickeners thiazide, European banane, niacin.
How to prevent this condition:
Apply sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher, covering your nose, ears, neck, legs, arms and lips.
Reapply after 2 hours or when sweating/water.
Wear sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV sunglasses.
Avoid strenuous activities during hot weather, drink plenty of water, and seek shade.
Treatment:
Sunburn: Apply a cool towel, avoid the sun until your skin recovers, drink plenty of water, use acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve pain, topical ice cream or 1% hydrocortisone. If there is a bulge, do not break, cover with clean sheets.
Sun poisoning: Drink plenty of fluids, avoid direct and indirect sunlight, take a cool bath with fever, apply cold compresses to the armpits, neck, groin, wrists, and ankles to cool down.
When you have these signs, you need to see a doctor immediately:
Fever > 38.3°C.
Dehydration due to nausea/ vomiting.
Pain does not improve with medication.
Severe sunburn accounts for >15% of the skin's area.
pale skin, rapid heartbeat, confusion or loss of consciousness.
