Sun Kissed or Sun Poisoned?
The Sun Poisoning Nightmare and Signs
I always thought I was pretty sun-savvy, but this summer, I learned the hard way about the dangers of sun poisoning.Imagine enjoying sun-soaked days, beach vibes, and you are are basking in the glory of summer – until your skin turns looking like fiery red. You might think it’s just a sunburn, but these signs are so much worse. I’m talking about chills, fever, and nausea. These are all signs of sun poisoning.
So, how would you know if it is sun poisoning and not just a regular sunburn? Read on for my scorching experience and learn how to avoid something as dangerous as this.
Sunburn vs. Sun Poisoning: Not the Same Beast!
While both sunburns and sun poisoning are caused by overexposure to the sun’s UV rays, sun poisoning is more like the sunburn’s evil twin.
It’s a more severe reaction that can have serious consequences.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Symptom | Sunburn | Sun Poisoning |
|---|---|---|
| Redness | Mild to moderate | Severe |
| Pain | Mild to moderate | Intense, often unbearable |
| Blistering | May occur, usually small | Large, widespread blisters |
| Swelling | Mild | Significant |
| Other Symptoms | Peeling skin | Fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, dehydration |
My Sun Poisoning Nightmare: A Cautionary Tale
After a day of fun in the sun, my skin started to feel a little tender.
I assumed it was just a minor sunburn. But as the hours passed, the pain intensified. Soon, my skin was on fire, and I started to feel nauseous and dizzy. Large blisters appeared, and I had chills despite the summer heat. It was clear after seeing a doctor that I had a full-blown case of sun poisoning.
I spent the next few days miserable while being unable to sleep, or even eat comfortably. I applied aloe vera, took pain relievers, and drank gallons of water, but the symptoms persisted.
Lesson Learned: Prevention is Key!
My sun poisoning experience was a wake-up call. It taught me that sun protection is not optional, it’s essential.
Now, I never leave the house without applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, even on cloudy days. I also seek shade during peak sun hours and wear protective clothing like hats and sunglasses.
FAQs:
Q. How do you know if you have sun poisoning?
A. Look out for intense pain, blistering, fever, chills, nausea, dizziness, and dehydration. These are all signs of sun poisoning.
Q. Should I go to the ER for sun poisoning?
A. If your symptoms are severe or you’re worried, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and seek medical attention.
Q. Can you feel sick from sun exposure?
A. Absolutely! Sun poisoning can cause a whole host of unpleasant symptoms, including nausea, dizziness, and even fainting.
Q. Does sun poisoning make you throw up?
A. Yes, nausea and vomiting are common symptoms of sun poisoning.
Stay safe in the sun, my dear readers and remember, a little SPF goes a long way! 😎
Reference : WebMD
