A long day in the sun can conduce to the painful condition of sun poisoning. It’s an allergic reaction of the skin to the ultraviolet rays of the sun. Although there are several home remedies to heal the condition, it is better to take the necessary precautionary measures for prevention.
Sun poisoning is the skin’s allergic reaction to overexposure to the sun. It is actually a severe form of sunburn or sun allergy. Medically known as photodermatitis, sun poisoning occurs in those areas of the skin, which are exposed to the ultraviolet rays of the sun. Inflammation of the skin on the face, lips, hands, back, legs, etc. is seen. People with lower melanin content in their skin are more susceptible to sun poisoning. However, besides just hypersensitivity to the skin, presence of certain chemicals from sunscreens, cosmetics and perfumes can also trigger sun poisoning.
Sun Poisoning Symptoms
Unlike sunburn symptoms, which include redness, rash, peeling of skin, itching, blister formation, etc. sun poisoning has some additional symptoms such as fever, nausea, vertigo, loss of fluids, vertigo, rapid pulse, rapid breathing, etc. The severity of these symptoms will be seen within 12 – 24 hours after exposure to the sun.
Treatment for Sun Rash
There are different factors conducing to sun poisoning. While determining the kind of treatment, it’s first important to determine what is the root cause of sun poisoning in your body; that is, whether it’s caused by exposure to the sun or effect of certain chemicals from perfumes, soaps, sunscreens, etc. Treatments are always slow. There’s no quick solution or drug that will heal the condition immediately. The rash will take several days to heal. However, there are certain measures we can take to reduce the amount of pain and stinging sensation.
Minimize Exposure to the Sun
If it’s overexposure to the sun, then you need to reduce the amount of time you spend in the sun. Wear sun coats, head scarves and other sun protection clothing, when you get out into the sun. Also avoid spending a lot of time on tanning beds.
Hydrate Your Body
People with severe sun poisoning symptoms should work on hydrating their bodies as soon as possible. One should drink 32 ounces of cold water and have a shower in cool water. Soaking one’s body in soaking tubs is a good idea, however, avoid adding bath salts, bubbles or any other potential irritants in the water. Just soak yourself in the water for 20 minutes and gently pat yourself dry. Adding oatmeal to your bath and soaking in it will also help heal the rashes.
Stop Using Sunscreens or Perfumes
If the cologne, sunscreen, soap or perfume you are using is triggering sun poisoning, the only sensible solution here would be to stop using them. But, how will you know what exactly is causing the problem. It’s all a trial and error method. Keep eliminating one factor after another, till you zero in on the problem.
Remedies for Sun Poisoning on the Lips
The above treatment measures were for the body in general. But, what does one do when one’s lips have been sun poisoned. When your delicate lips start itching or stinging during a sunburn, you known your lips have been sun poisoned. During such times, you can resort to the following remedies.
Aloe Vera Gel
The famous aloe vera gel will come to your rescue. Pluck out an aloe vera leaf and squeeze out the gel from it. Apply the soothing gel onto your lips and allow it to work its way into your burn.
Herbal Paste
Take turmeric powder, honey, basil leaves and margosa leaves in a blender and make a paste. Apply the paste on your stinging lips and leave it on for 10-15 minutes. The paste will bring relief from the stinging sensation and will also stimulate healing.
Grated Potato or Cucumber
Take a cold piece of cucumber or potato and grate it. Place the grated vegetable on your lips and allow its healing juices to work its way into your sore lips. Once the cooling effect is lost, replace the grated vegetable with fresh ones.
Sun poisoning is a painful condition, causing discomfort and disruptions in one’s daily life. It’s best to take the necessary precautions and prevent it in the first place by wearing sun protective clothing, etc. Avoid direct exposure to the sun. An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure!
