How to Identify Sun Poisoning

Identify sun poisoning symptoms

The term sun poisoning is commonly used to described photosensitive or allergic reactions such as solar uticaria (hives) and a condition known as polymorphous light eruption. Extreme sunburn without an allergic or immune response may also be involved. For some individuals, little UV exposure is required to produce sun poisoning symptoms, and once a person develops sun poisoning it can more easily reoccur. Use the following guidelines to help you and your doctor identify sun poisoning more promptly.

Things You'll Need

• Physician evaluation
• Personal health care information

Instructions

1. Talk to your physician and obtain a recommendation if you develop any troubling symptoms following UV exposure. Though most sunburns and mild skin reactions go away on their own, allergic reactions and extreme sunburn can be quite serious. Additionally, certain illnesses such as Lupus (SLE) may be mistaken for sun poisoning. A physician can identify sun poisoning with an evaluation, but in some cases blood work and/or photo sensitivity tests may be ordered.

2. Make note of how long you were exposed to the sun or UV rays and whether or not the skin condition is present on non-exposed areas. This information can help your doctor better identify sun poisoning concerns and make needed recommendations.

3. Identify sun poisoning that may be related to polymorphous light eruption by the presence of itchy, red spots on the extremities, chest or neck, in particular These symptoms usually occur within 24-hours following substantial sun exposure and fair-skinned people are at increased risk. According to the Mayo Clinic, this condition may persist for one to several days and may include the presence of blistering, small bumps, pain or burning. More serious sun poisoning cases may involve chills, nausea, headache. and malaise or feeling ill.

4. Consider what medications or herbal remedies you take and look for any photosensitive warnings. Contact your pharmacist or doctor for more information on potential interactions. Some common culprits of sun poisoning or photosensitivity include sulfa drugs, antibiotics such as doxycycline, mood-stabilizers, blood pressure medication and anti-inflammatory drugs.

5. Evaluate any new products applied to the skin prior to sun exposure to better identify sun poisoning due to external causes. Both medicated and non-medicated creams, soaps or lotions may sensitize the skin of some individuals and a list of new products will help a physician better identify sun poisoning culprits.

Tips & Warnings

• Contact a local emergency room if you develop serious symptoms or feel faint, are dehydrated, experience substantial fever, chills or pain, severe blistering or any other concerning symptoms.

• Underlying illness or prior sun poisoning history may also be related to photosensitivity. Sometimes, however, the cause of sun poisoning is unknown.

• Information is designed for consumer and informational purpose only and is not designed to replace medical advice or consultation.