When you stay in the sun for quite a long time without wearing sunscreen or protection, your skin is likely to sunburn causing redness and blistering. The UV radiations from the sun are responsible for the skin inflames. This is a problem that mostly affects people of light skin and fair hair complexion.
Sun poisoning symptoms can be observed a few hours after sun exposure. In most cases, you will notice signs such as; itchiness, redness, blisters, wheezing, dizziness, and loss of consciousness. Here are quick home care steps you need to take to fix and manage the situation.
- Take a cool shower or bath or place clean wet, cool wash rags on the burn.
- Avoid using products that can cause skin allergic reactions and burns such as benzocaine or lidocaine.
- Cover blisters with dry bandages to avoid bacterial infections.
- Drink a glass of cold water that is not ice cold to stay hydrated.
- You can apply a moisturizer to the skin to relieve the tension. Avoid using oil skin moisturizers such as petroleum jelly (Vaseline) among others since they can block the pores hence retaining the heat and sweat.
- Go for over the counter anti-inflammatory and pain killer medicines such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
- You can use cortisone creams to reduce and prevent inflammation.
- Do not wear tight nylon material clothing but instead go for loose cotton.
- Stay out of the sun to avoid further sun poisoning.
- Apply Aloe Vera Gel lotion or cream on the affected area of the skin. You can use a direct natural extract of this ingredient or you can obtain the products from the drugstores.
- Compress the face with a mixture of milk and water in equal amounts.
- Use SPF a sun protection factor of 30 or above which you should apply regularly when outdoors.
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What Is Sun Poisoning?
While in the sun it is not easy to realize at that particular moment about the poisoning. A few moments later you will be able to experience symptoms of sun poisoning. The exposed parts of the body such as the face and hands are highly affected. Sun poisoning on the face can associate symptoms that may also be experienced within other parts of the body.
There are two types of sun poisoning. Polymorphous light eruption (PMLE) is a reaction to the sunlight and studies have shown that it is linked to neither drugs nor diseases. This condition affects individuals who are exposed to sunlight that they are not used to. People living in the Polar Regions are at high risk of this type of reaction.
The rush develops on the skin that associate itching and formation of small bumps on the affected area of the body. There is also a high possibility of hive formation on the arms, chest, and lower legs. Some forms of PMLE reactions can be inherent and this is has been observed among the Native Americans. Symptoms normally subside within 10 days and do not associate serious medical condition.
Solar urticarial is another type of sun poisoning and it develops within a few minutes of sunburn. It is common among the fair skin people. The symptoms are more or less the same as for PMLE and they subside within a few days though they are likely to recur.
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What Causes Sun Poisoning?
Sunburn occurs when the body’s protective pigment, melanin is exceeded by the ultraviolet light exposure from the sun or other sources. The sun is one of the sources of life on earth and it is a useful form of energy. Getting warmth and a supply of Vitamin D is one of the most enjoyable things we obtain directly from the sun.
The radiations from the sun are powerful and they appear in various dimensions and spectrums. The UV rays are one of the dangerous rays from the sun and when they exceed the required limit in the body they can cause serious harm. This is why the ozone layer in the atmosphere helps in reducing the intensity of such radiations.
The skin is made up of several layers of cells. The topmost layer is composed of dead skin cells that are usually dark in color. They are useful in protecting the skin from the harmful effect of the sun. One of the dangerous properties of UV rays is the ability to penetrate these dead skin cells to cause damage to the life underneath cells hence causing sun poisoning.
To know what is sun poisoning is an important concept especially in beauty. Many people are embracing various methods on how to lighten the skin without knowing the science behind it. The various methods used such as skin lightening pills, skin whitening cream, and skin bleaching soap affect the skin in a way or another and the outcome is in the form of fair skin.
Lightening involves the removal of the dead skin cells which are naturally important in the protection of the body against UV radiations. Other products also prevent the skin from the production of a protective pigment known as melanin that normally makes the skin appear dark. For this case, understanding what is sun poisoning can help you with ideas on how you can balance between the skin whitening and sunburn effects.
Can Sun Poisoning Cause Swelling?
The UV rays have a high potential of causing damage to the DNA as well as killing the skin cells. The body has a mechanism that can protect such effects though to a given limit. When the radiations exceed this protective mechanism, sunburn will take place and the reaction will be realized after some time.
One of the reactions to the sunburn by the immune system is directing more blood to the affected for the white blood cells to promote prevention and repair of the cells as the red blood cells supply more oxygen to the area causing blood vessels to swell. This can also be seen by the reddening of the skin around the affected body part.
Another reaction is the production of more melanin in the burn area. Melanin, as said, protects the skin from UV rays and it is dark in color. When more of this pigment is produced to the area affected you will notice more darkening of the skin. Burning can denature skin cells causing them to die. This will be seen by the darkening and formation of hives, wrinkles, and fold lines on the skin.
Over the counter pain killers such as ibuprofen or naproxen should be taken by the patient as the initial move on how to treat sun poisoning. Sunburn lotions and creams can also be used in the prevention of the situation. Silver Sulfadiazine is an example of the best effective topical cream for the treatment and prevention of sunburn and must be used under the doctor’s recommendation.
Oral steroid therapy can be used for severe cases. This mostly involves the prescription of cortisone medications for some time. This can also involve strong pain reliever medications depending on the doctor’s observation and recommendation. Silver sulfadiazine is an effective treatment though it may not be used on the face due to side effects.
What Is Sun Poisoning Rash?
The formation of a rash characterized by small bumps is one of the major immediate symptoms of sun poisoning. The rush can last for a few days or may become severe which can easily cause skin cancer and other blemishes such as freckles, scars, wrinkles, and eye diseases. Sunburn causes skin dehydration and when touched or rubbed a few days after, swelling blisters and peeling can happen.
Sun poisoning can cause temporary symptoms though when the skin is damaged it can permanent. To realize severe damage, you will start feeling pain and irritation after the sun poisoning rash has disappeared.
Sun Poisoning Risk Factors
- Underage children and infants are always at high risk of sun poisoning.
- Fair skin people are at high risk compared to dark skin and black people.
- High and low altitude areas are at high risk of sun burning.
- During a hot shiny day, 10.am to 4.pm is the time when the sun radiations are strongest.
- The use of some medications such as antibiotics doxycycline can increase the chances of your skin burning in the sun.
- There are medical conditions that can make you more susceptible to sun poisoning.
How to Get Rid of Sun Poisoning Rash?
A rash can develop after a few hours of exposure. It can associate other symptoms of sun poisoning such as; itchiness, redness, blisters, wheezing, dizziness, and loss of consciousness. The heat rash can disappear on its own especially when the sunburn is mild. Severe rash requires proper care and symptoms can subside after 2 to 3 days.
Most of the discussed above methods on how to get rid of sun poisoning are applicable for getting rid of sunburn rash. Besides that, it recommended you be cautious while planning to spend in the sun. Here are various tips that can help in preventing the formation of sun poisoning rash and sunburn as a whole:
- Wear wide-brimmed hats, long-sleeved shirts, and pants.
- Avoid medications and drugs that make your skin vulnerable to the sun poisoning
- Avoid abuse of substances such as excessive use of mind-altering drugs which will impair your judgment.
- Be cautious while going for short and sequential sun exposure since it can cause tanning and skin cancer in the long run.
- Avoid tanning beds since they are associated with serious cell conditions such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
- Young adults and children are at high risk of sun poisoning compared to aged people.
- Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher. A broad-spectrum sunscreen protects from both UVB and UVA rays.
- Apply a generous amount of sunscreen to fully cover exposed skin. Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours or as often as the label says.
- Apply sunscreen after swimming or sweating and even when it is cloudy.
- Use a lip balm with sunscreen.
- Perform most of your duties carried out outdoors in the morning and late in the evening.
- The best way to prevent sunburn is to avoid long exposure to sunlight.
- Wear sunglasses with UV protection
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How to Treat Sun Poisoning Bumps?
Before thinking about how to treat sun poisoning bumps, it would be better if you learn how to prevent since single prevention is worth a million cure. Therefore here are some of the ways you can avoid sun poisoning bumps from forming.
- The sun is normally too hot during peak hours. Avoid getting outdoors from 10 am to 4 pm.
- Wear wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses with UV protection, long-sleeved shirts and pants.
- Avoid medications and drugs that make your skin vulnerable to the sun poisoning
- Avoid abuse of substances such as excessive use of mind-altering drugs which will impair your judgment.
- Be cautious while going for short and sequential sun exposure since it can cause tanning and skin cancer in the long run.
- Avoid tanning beds since they are associated with serious cell conditions such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
- Young adults and children are at high risk of sun poisoning compared to aged people.
- Use sunscreen and sun protection while outdoors.
Sunscreen products should be used while you are outdoor. Observe the sun protection factor on the sunblock product you are going for. The product with high SPF offers more protection against UV and UVB rays. This is simply a ratio of the time such a product takes to produce a skin reaction on both protected and unprotected skin.
In layman’s, a product with SPF 30 would allow an individual to be exposed 30 times longer than one with no sunscreen when other factors are held constant. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends people to use a broad spectrum waterproof sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Apply enough and on a regular basis. While on sun application after every 2 hours is recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology.
Ways on how to treat sun poisoning bumps also depend on the type of sun poisoning or the intensity of the burning. The patient is recommended to apply some of the techniques discussed above on how to heal sun poisoning in fixing the bumps.
How to Treat Sun Poisoning Blisters?
Formation of blisters on the face and other body parts can occur when you spend too much time under the sun. Severe blisters can lead to permanent skin deformation hence requires serious attention. However, there are also various ways on how to treat sun poisoning blisters.
Various anti-inflammatory medicines discussed above can be used to ease swelling and pain. Aspirin or ibuprofen are effective in this case. Anti-itch cream or lotion like hydrocortisone can also be applied on the rush or the sun poisoning blisters.
The application of cold compresses and cool baths can help in preventing blisters from forming. After a serious sunburn, put a cold damp towel on the face or affected area. You can also soak in cool water to help in soothing the blistering area.
Do not pop the blisters once they have formed. Doing this will increase the chances of infections as well as deterring the healing process. Cover them with a loosely fitted piece of cloth. Seek emergency medical attention when the symptoms persist.
You are also advised to use a lip balm with SPF 30 and above to prevent your lips from sun poisoning effects. Beware that not all sunscreen is water-resistant, swimming and sweating can degrade the effectiveness of such nonwater proof sunscreens and therefore replying is the best way to ensure your protection against harmful radiations from the sun.
Treatment for Sun Poisoning Itching and Swelling
The formation of a rash characterized by small bumps is one of the major immediate symptoms of sun poisoning. The rush can last for a few days or may become severe which can easily cause skin cancer and other blemishes such as freckles, scars, wrinkles and eye diseases. Sunburn causes skin dehydration and when touched or rubbed a few days after, swelling blisters and peeling can follow.
Itching and swelling is also a symptom for sunburn or sun poisoning. When the sun poisoning itching and swelling are mild and not life-threatening, more fluids may be recommended by the doctor. Taking aspirin and no steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be used to fix the swelling and blisters. The patient may also be suggested for cool compresses such as Burow’s solution soaks and application of effective moisturizing creams and lotions to the affected area.
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How to Get Rid of Sun Poisoning Fast?
- Cold compresses and cooling are the best way to ease the itching, reddening and sewing of the skin following a sunburn. Take a cool bath and a cold compress using a wet piece of towel to soothe the blisters.
- Hydrating yourself should be the last thing to do. It helps in restoring the fluid that might have lost during the sun burning. Drink water in plenty amount, milk and eat more fresh fruits such as watermelon. This is the best dehydration home remedies you can never go wrong with.
How to get rid of sun poisoning rash on face - The application of Aloe Vera extract can help in the treatment of sun poisoning. The healing property of this natural product helps in healing and soothing the skin hence a way of getting rid of sun poisoning rash and blisters.
- Cold milk compress is also the best among sun poisoning home remedies. Using a piece of cloth, dab the affected area of the skin with cool mild for 30 minutes. Rinse off the milk with cold water and apply a natural moisturizer.
- Raw potatoes or cucumber juice can also be used in getting rid of sun poisoning symptoms. Extract the juice and apply it to the face or the affected area. Repeat several times during the day and the symptoms will subside in a couple of days. Slices can also be placed on the skin in the affected area.
- You can apply natural oils such as lavender oil, cod liver oil, or calendula oil directly or when mixed with some water.
- Mastered powder mixed with water to form a paste can also be used as a treatment for sun poisoning at home. Apply the paste and wash it off after 15 minutes with cold water. Sometimes you can feel a burning sensation and you are advised to apply aloe Vera gel.
- Naturally made products like calamine lotion can also be used in the healing of sunburn rashes and blisters. Apply on the affected area several times during the day. This product can also be added to your bathwater in which you have to soak for some time.
- Avoid application of greasy oils, lotions, and creams on the affected area. They are capable of blocking skin pores hence aggravating the condition.
- Yogurt mixed with some water is wonderful in getting rid of sun poisoning rash, blisters, and swelling. The paste not only soothes the skin but also ease pain and promote instant healing.
- Cover blisters with dry bandages to avoid bacterial infections.
- Apply a moisturizer to the skin to relieve the tension. Avoid using oil skin moisturizers such as petroleum jelly (Vaseline) among others since they can block the pores hence retaining the heat and sweat.
- Do not apply products that can cause skin allergic reactions and burns such as benzocaine or lidocaine.
- Take anti-inflammatory and pain killer medicines such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
- Apply anti-inflammatory cortisone lotion to soothe the skin and prevent inflammation.
- Use SPF30 or above which you should apply regularly when outdoors.
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Conclusion
It is good to be knowledgeable about how to heal and treat sun poisoning since symptoms can become severe and chronic. The type and intensity of sun burning will require a specified treatment method. First aid is always the first step you need to take as discussed above. Symptoms will, however, subside within a couple of days for a mild case of sunburn.
In conclusion, therefore, you are recommended to seek medical consultation from your doctor when symptoms resist the above methods on how to treat sun poisoning. This effect of the sun can cause severe damage to the skin cells as well as the underlying organs. Take relevant action to prevent permanent skin denaturing and risks of cancer and other infections.