Exploring the Grave Consequences of Sun Poisoning
As the weather heats up and summer officially arrives, it’s time to swap the winter pallor for some sunshine. But remember, too much sun without the right precautions can lead to sun poisoning.
To clarify, sun poisoning isn’t actually poisoning. It’s a severe sunburn with intense symptoms. Unlike a regular sunburn, sun poisoning can escalate to sunstroke, a dangerous condition if not properly addressed. Here’s how to stay safe and avoid sun poisoning this summer.
### Symptoms of Sun Poisoning
You can get a sunburn in less than 15 minutes outdoors, even if you don’t notice it right away. Sunburn discomfort and redness may only appear hours later. If you don’t realize you’re sunburnt, you might stay in the sun long enough for it to develop into sun poisoning. This is more common for people with fair skin and light hair. Symptoms of sun poisoning include:
– Blistering and skin redness
– Pain and tingling
– Swelling
– Headaches
– Chills and fever
– Dizziness
– Dehydration
If you experience dizziness or swelling, get out of the sun immediately.
### Treating Sun Poisoning
Most sun poisoning cases can be treated with these simple steps:
– Get out of the sun right away.
– Take a cool, but not cold, shower or bath, and then apply a cold compress to the affected areas.
– Stay hydrated for several days after sun poisoning.
– Take pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
– Apply aloe gel to reduce dryness and inflammation.
– Cover affected areas completely when you go back outside until the redness fades.
In more severe cases, you may need medical attention if you experience:
– Extensive burns, blisters, or intense pain
– Facial swelling
– Chills and fever
– Nausea
– Faintness, light-headedness, disorientation, or a migraine
– Severe dehydration
### Preventing Sun Poisoning
Preventing sun poisoning is straightforward if you follow basic sun safety tips:
– Always apply sunscreen with at least 30 SPF when you plan to be outside for a while.
– Avoid spending extended time outdoors between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sun’s UV rays are their strongest.
– Wear loose-fitting clothes that cover your arms and legs, and use a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face.
By taking these precautions, you can enjoy the summer sun safely and avoid the unpleasant and potentially dangerous consequences of sun poisoning.
